Our Mission
Every great mission begins with a moment of recognition—a realization that a need exists, and we have the power to meet it. For Meals on Wheels Pasco, that moment came decades ago when a group of compassionate local residents recognized a quiet, growing challenge right here in our community: Our elderly and homebound neighbors were struggling to maintain their independence and health simply because they lacked regular, nutritious meals.
"Inspired by a community of residents who saw a need and took action, our mission is to deliver balanced, appealing, and nutritious meals to seniors and people with disabilities, nourishing the independence of those who cannot easily shop or cook for themselves."
Our History: Nourishing East Pasco Since 1974
A Vision Born of Community Compassion
Every transformative mission begins with a moment of clarity. In the early 1970s, a group of compassionate Pasco County residents noticed a quiet crisis unfolding behind closed doors: our elderly and homebound neighbors were losing their health and independence, not for a lack of spirit, but for a lack of consistent, nutritious food.
On February 21, 1974, East Pasco Meals on Wheels, Inc. was officially founded to answer that call. What began as a modest, grassroots movement has grown into a lifeline for the eastern portion of the county, specifically serving the Zephyrhills and Dade City areas for over five decades.
A Grassroots Commitment 100% Community-Funded
From our inception, we established a bold and defining philosophy: we are a non-profit, community-funded organization. To this day, we maintain our independence by never accepting government funding. This unique commitment ensures that our loyalty remains solely to the neighbors we serve. Our success is built entirely on the bedrock of local generosity—donations from small businesses, support from dedicated churches, community grants, and the tireless spirit of local volunteers. When you support Meals on Wheels Pasco, you are supporting a 100% local solution to a local need.
Our Journey of Care in Pasco County
As Pasco County transformed from quiet citrus groves and rural pastures into a bustling, vibrant community, the needs of our neighbors changed, too. Rapid growth brought new challenges, often leaving our seniors tucked away in quiet neighborhoods, far from the support they once relied on. We have met every step of this growth with a simple promise: to ensure no senior is forgotten.
A Foundation for the Future
The year 1983 marked a turning point in our story. By formalizing our status as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we moved from a small grassroots effort to a professional organization capable of feeding hundreds. This era allowed us to invest in our kitchens, moving beyond basic lunches to provide high-quality, heart-healthy meals tailored to the specific health needs of our seniors. This wasn't just about hunger; it was about providing the nourishment needed for our neighbors to age with dignity in their own homes.
Innovation Through "Food Rescue"
Under the leadership of Executive Director Beth
Aker, we looked at the community around us and saw an opportunity to do more. We pioneered "food rescue" partnerships with local grocery stores, collecting fresh, high-quality food that would otherwise go to waste.
This program changed everything. By reducing our grocery bills through these partnerships, we were able to stretch every donated dollar further. Instead of spending money on rising food costs, we redirected those funds to the road—putting more delivery vans on the street and shortening the waiting lists for seniors in need. It meant we could say “yes” to more people, more often, and bring comfort to neighbors who had been waiting far too long. What started as a cost‑saving effort quickly became a lifeline that expanded our reach and deepened our impact across the community.
More Than a Meal: The Power of a Visit
At the heart of our mission is a simple truth: the "smile" is just as important as the meal. For
many of our clients, a Meals on Wheels volunteer is the only person they will talk to all day.
In a county where many seniors live miles away from their children and grandchildren, our volunteers become an extended family. This daily visit is a wellness check that offers peace of 
mind to families near and far. Whether it’s a quick chat at the door or a watchful eye on a neighbor’s well-being, our volunteers provide a primary defense against the loneliness of isolation.
Each delivery serves as a gentle reminder that their stories matter and their presence is cherished. Beyond the calories and the containers, we are nourishing the spirit of our neighborhood, one doorstep and one conversation at a time. We don't just deliver a tray; we deliver a connection to the outside world.
Beyond the Delivery Route: Expanding Our Mission
We recognize that nourishment takes many forms. Our history is marked by our ability to identify emerging needs and create immediate solutions:
• Feeding You With Love Food Pantry: To address broader food insecurity within the county, the Feeding You With Love food pantry was created. This initiative serves as a permanent resource for any Pasco County resident in need, ensuring that nutritious groceries are accessible to all, not just those on our delivery routes.
• The Genesis Center: Born out of a desire to foster community and mental well-being, we established The Genesis Center. This center is a dedicated space for social connection. It is a place where residents can mingle, access local social services, share a cup of coffee, or enjoy a friendly board game—combating loneliness through the power of presence.
Our Impact Today
Today, Meals on Wheels Pasco serves upwards of 1,000 neighbors every week, delivering tens of thousands of meals annually. While the scale of our work has increased, the heart of our mission remains the same: to nourish the bodies, safeguard the health, and uphold the dignity of our residents.
We are the proud stewards of a legacy that began in 1974, and we remain dedicated to "Feeding You With Love" for the next fifty years and beyond.