FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Menlo Park, CA – March 19, 2026
Peninsula Volunteers, Inc. (PVI) successfully concluded its annual March for Meals campaign, a nationwide initiative dedicated to raising awareness and support for senior nutrition programs. Throughout the month of March, volunteers, community leaders, and supporters came together to deliver meals, advocate for older adults, and strengthen efforts to address senior hunger and isolation across San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.
The campaign culminated in PVI’s annual Community Champions Breakfast, where the organization gathered with partners, donors, volunteers, and advocates to highlight the collective impact of ensuring older adults remain nourished, connected, and able to live independently.
Highlights of the event included:
Remarks from Supervisor Lisa Gauthier
Supervisor Lisa Gauthier of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors shared insights on the importance of community-based services, equity, and continued investment in programs that support older adults. Drawing on her leadership experience and commitment to public service, she emphasized the role of collaboration in strengthening resources for aging populations across the county.
Legislative Advocacy Spotlight from Deborah L. Owdom
Deborah L. Owdom, a longtime advocate for older adults, spoke to the critical role of policy and legislative advocacy in addressing senior hunger and isolation. She highlighted the importance of sustained legislative support for senior services and the need for continued investment in programs like Meals on Wheels to meet growing demand. Her remarks underscored how community voices and advocacy efforts can help shape policies that protect and uplift older adults.
Addressing Growing Demand Across the Region
The event reinforced the growing need for senior nutrition services and the importance of continued collaboration across sectors to meet rising demand.
“Our work now spans both San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, reflecting both the growing need and the strength of our partnerships,” said Stephanie Figeira, Director of Nutrition Services at PVI. “As demand continues to rise, it will take sustained collaboration across healthcare, public agencies, and the community to ensure older adults can remain nourished, connected, and able to live independently.
The need is no longer theoretical—it’s visible in the 114 seniors currently waiting for support. These are our neighbors, and meeting that need will require continued investment, partnership, and a shared commitment to caring for older adults in our community.”
The event served as a reminder that Meals on Wheels is more than a meal—it is a critical connection point for older adults who may otherwise experience isolation. Through the support of volunteers, donors, and community partners, PVI continues to deliver essential services that help seniors maintain their independence and dignity.
March for Meals annually commemorates the historic day in March 1972, when President Richard Nixon signed into law a measure amending the Older Americans Act of 1965, establishing a national nutrition program for adults aged 60 and older. Since 2002, Meals on Wheels programs across the country have participated in this campaign to raise awareness and garner the support needed to meet the growing demand for senior services.
About PVI Meals on Wheels
PVI’s Meals on Wheels program delivers freshly prepared, nutritious meals each day to homebound, isolated older adults in San Mateo County who are unable to shop or cook for themselves. Many participants are frail, recovering from hospitalization, or living with disabilities. More than 60% of clients have incomes below federal poverty levels and often live alone—making each delivery not only a meal, but an essential point of connection. PVI staff and volunteers deliver over 175,000 meals annually.
About Peninsula Volunteers, Inc. (PVI)
For over 75 years, Peninsula Volunteers, Inc. has supported older adults in maintaining independence, dignity, and quality of life. PVI provides a comprehensive network of services, including Nutrition Services (Meals on Wheels, Got Groceries, and Little House Café), Adult Day Services at Rosener House, Quiescence caregiver support, the Little House Activity Center, and RIDE PVI transportation services. Collectively, these programs serve over 6,500 households annually, delivering more than $6 million in essential services to the community.
For more information about PVI, volunteer opportunities, or to support Meals on Wheels, visit www.1pvi.org/mealsonwheels
Media Contact:
Peninsula Volunteers, Inc.
[email protected]