meals on wheels

noun

, (sometimes initial capital letter)

1. a program, usually one supported or subsidized by a charitable, social, or government agency, for delivering hot meals regularly to elderly, disabled, or convalescing persons who are housebound and cannot cook for themselves.

meals on wheels

noun

1. functioning as singular social welfare a service, usually subsidized, and run by a social services department or voluntary body, which delivers hot meals to elderly or housebound people who might otherwise be unable to have them

Word History and Origins

Origin of meals on wheels¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

Barnett’s consulting and ghostwriting services “dried up with so much of the rest of the economy,” with the pair relying on charity and programs like Meals on Wheels, as well as plenty of oatmeal.

From Salon

Times photographer Francine Orr and I were looking for people living on the edge, and she hooked up with St. Vincent Meals on Wheels to scout out story possibilities.

From Los Angeles Times

Through these organizations, you can explore resources such as adult day care services and Meals on Wheels.

From Seattle Times

This is also a compounding issue, according to Jenny Young, the Vice President of Communications and Chief of Staff of Meals on Wheels America, which serves an average of 251 million meals each year to 2.2 million seniors nationwide.

From Salon

Organizations, like FarmboxRX and Meals on Wheels, are jumping in to help, but according to Young, there’s a broad need for more funding.

From Salon