More Than JUST a Meal:

The Social Side of Meals on Wheels

When people think of Meals on Wheels, they often picture a hot, nutritious meal delivered to someone’s doorstep. But for thousands of older adults in Coastal Georgia, that delivery brings something equally — if not more — important: human connection.

At Senior Citizens Inc. (SCI), we know this truth better than most. For more than 65 years — long before Meals on Wheels became a national movement — we have been delivering meals to homebound older adults in Savannah. What started as neighbors helping neighbors has grown into a regional lifeline, but the essence has never changed: every meal is also a moment of care, dignity, and belonging.

The Social Impact You Can’t See — But Can Measure

National research has confirmed what our volunteers and clients have always known: Meals on Wheels is as much about companionship as it is about nutrition. A recent study from Meals on Wheels America and Brown University found that programs designed around friendly visits and check-ins led to significant reductions in loneliness and isolation. More than half of participants reported feeling more connected after just a few months of engagement.

This impact matters because social isolation isn’t just an emotional burden. The National Institute on Aging reports that loneliness increases the risk of dementia, heart disease, depression, and even premature death. In fact, prolonged isolation can be as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

How SCI Brings the Social Side to Life

SCI has been on the front lines of this work since 1959. While the program has grown, the heart of our approach remains the same: food paired with friendship.

  • A Knock That Means Care
    From our earliest days, volunteers and drivers have been more than delivery people. They’re companions who take a moment to check in, smile, and ensure that someone is okay.

  • Friendship at the Doorstep
    For many clients, the person delivering their meal is the only friendly face they’ll see that day. That simple human exchange — a story shared, a laugh, even a hello — can lift spirits and remind them they are not forgotten.

  • A Lifeline of Safety
    Time and again, lives have been safeguarded because a volunteer noticed something was wrong — a door unanswered, a missed greeting, a sudden change in behavior. For 65 years, this built-in safety net has been as important as the meals themselves.

Why It Matters

Meals on Wheels America often reminds us that this work is “more than a meal” — and SCI has been living that philosophy since the very beginning. Deliveries do more than fill plates; they sustain independence, protect health, and restore connection for those who might otherwise be left behind.

Voices from the Community

“I started getting these meals because I needed help with food, but what I look forward to most is the visitor at the door — someone who listens, laughs, and remembers my stories.”

– Meals on Wheels Client

“Delivering meals taught me that companionship is as important as nutrition. The people I serve become friends — not just clients.” – Volunteer for Meals on Wheels

Ready to Experience the Difference?

At Senior Citizens Inc., Meals on Wheels is part of our history, our present, and our future. With every delivery, we honor a tradition that began right here in Savannah more than 65 years ago.

📞 Call us at 912-236-0363 or fill out the form below to learn how you can sign up for services or join as a volunteer.