One Million Meals!

La Jolla, California—October 29, 2025.  La Jolla Meals On Wheels, which provides healthy meals and social interaction for seniors in La Jolla and the University City neighborhood of San Diego, has delivered its one millionth meal, announced Program Director Jane Semelsberger.

“When the organization was founded in 1974, a group of concerned local community members delivered meals to just a small number of their neighbors in need--some who had a recent surgery or hospitalization, others who were not able to leave their home to shop for groceries and others who could not cook meals for medical reasons,” explained Semelsberger.  “Since that time, the agency’s Senior Nutrition Program has served over 2,000 clients.”

The Monday to Friday home-delivered meal service includes two diabetic-friendly, low-sodium meals daily for lunch and dinner plus beverage of the client’s choice.

Because social isolation in seniors has been linked to long-term illness and increased health risk, in 2013, La Jolla Meals On Wheels launched its Friendly Visitors Program in which one- to two-hour free weekly visits are available by compatible volunteer companions to homebound seniors in the organization’s service area.

According to Semelsberger, since the COVID-19 pandemic, La Jolla Meals On Wheels has recognized a growing need among local homebound seniors for nutritious meals and regular wellness checks.  “Due to this demand during recent periods of higher inflation, our board of directors decided to subsidize its healthy home-delivered meals for all of its clients,” she noted.  “Donated funds are primarily used to subsidize at 100% the cost of meals for those unable to pay but the meals for low moderate-income clients are partially subsidized due to our recent 120+% meal cost increase.”

To inquire about volunteer or donation opportunities or to learn more about the Senior Nutrition Program and Friendly Visitors Program, visit www.lajollamealsonwheels.org or call (858) 452-0391.