Meals on Wheels Association of Oklahoma

PROJECT PURPOSE

Meals on Wheels Association of Oklahoma (MOWAOK) serves as the principal advocate and leadership organization for home-delivered and congregate meal providers in Oklahoma. We provide quality representation, education and training, and services to all its member in order to enhance their professionalism and the performance of the organizations they represent. Formed in 2019, MOWAOK currently has seven organization members across the state. This funding will allow MOWAOK to provide training and education to members to encourage innovative service delivery concepts, as well as direct funding to member organizations in need. In 2020, MOWAOK granted $52,000 to our members. As members stand up operations after pandemic closures, we anticipate the increasing need for client services, professional development, and advocacy at the state level.

EVIDENCE

The senior population is the fastest-growing demographic in Oklahoma, with one-third threatened by hunger. Poverty, illness, and social isolation have increased the need for home-delivered meals and support services. Without support from our member organizations, thousands of Oklahoma seniors are forced to prematurely trade their homes for long-term care facilities, creating an increased tax burden for residents. MOWAOK works closely with our members to provide the services that will most benefit their communities.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The clients that our members serve are age 60+, homebound with limited mobility due to health problems, and lack regular access to food. The majority are homebound seniors who may no longer be able to drive, lack transportation, or may be too poor or ill to purchase food consistently. Recipients may be long- or short-term, depending on their needs. Many live in rural areas with little accessibility to support services for seniors.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

MOWAOK tracks the amount of grant funding awarded and receives data from grantees on the number of individuals impacted, meals delivered, and services provided. Success will also be measured through hosting educational events for our members.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma