:: Meals On Wheels ::

Meals on Wheels of Durham has experienced tremendous growth since its inception in 1975, and as Durham County’s aged population continues expand the importance of our work will only increase. To ensure that we meet our underlying goal of permitting the elderly population of Durham to age in place with dignity, we must not only work to provide adequate nutrition, but also the resources to educate and assist these individuals to maintain a high quality of life, free of hospitalizations and other costly medical treatments. Your continued support will be crucial to our efforts. In considering whether to support Meals on Wheels, please bear in mind the following statistics:

Durham County’s aging population is among the fastest growing in the state; individuals over the age of 60 currently represent 12% of the county’s total population, and this group is growing at nearly four times the rate of the county as a whole. It is projected that by 2020, individuals over the age of 60 will represent 18% of the county’s total population.
Durham County seniors are a highly vulnerable population. Currently, 30% of Durham County's seniors over 65 years live alone, 21% live below the poverty level, and 25% have a disability.

If you would prefer to give of your time or share your skills with us, please visit our Volunteers page.

Just as our clients rely on us for our meal service, we depend on our supporters to make our service possible. In fiscal year 2005 (ending 6/30/05) we delivered 74,281 nutritious meals. In FY 2006 we delivered 79,297 meals. In FY 2007 (current fiscal year) we are on pace to deliver over 84,000 meals. We need your support so that we can continue to deliver meals to our clients while meeting the increase in demand for our services. For additional facts about Durham's aging population, please click here.

Individuals over the age of 60 currently represent 12% (28,299) of Durham County's population (236,088). By 2020, they will represent 18% (46,458); a 64% rate of increase vs. the 15% increase expected the population as a whole. A
Durham County's aging population is one of the fastest growing in North Carolina. Prevention and intervention to keep this population healthy are essential to maintaining their quality of life. As our growing population of older adults enjoys the benefits of longer life, we need to provide adequate nutrition, as well as resources to educate and assist seniors to maintain that quality of life and to reduce hospitalizations and other costly medical treatments.
Durham County seniors are a highly vulnerable population. Currently, 30% of Durham County's seniors over 65 years live alone, 21% live below the poverty level, and 25% have a disability.