Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County

Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County Enhancing lives through healthy meals and friendly human contact. Nurturing elders at one of five dining sites, or meals delivered to the home.

Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County is a program of Community Bridges. We help vulnerable seniors and disabled residents live independent lives. When given the choice, most elders choose to stay in their own homes rather than move to an assisted living residence or nursing home. Our program helps make that quality of life choice possible for elders who are unable to cook or shop for themselves.

In addition to providing a daily balanced meal that meets the California Department of Aging nutrition standards, our team of staff and volunteers bring a smiling face and human contact to home-bound seniors - in some cases the only human contact our clients may see that day. Additionally, our five dining centers offer a variety of activities and a free hot meal to anyone 60 years of age or older. MEETING LOCAL NEEDS
The California Elder Economic Security Standard Index, known as the Elder index, indicates that 42% of all elders aged 65 or older do not have enough income to meet their most basic needs. That’s over 11,000 elders struggling to make ends meet in Santa Cruz County and an additional 9,000 fall into the “eligibility gap” with incomes above the federal poverty line, but insufficient to cover basic needs. Our meals program is a critical piece of the effort to meet the needs of this vulnerable population. For more information about Meals on Wheels of Santa Cruz County, go to communitybridges.org/mow

Essential services are made possible by essential people.This Labor Day, we honor the educators, drivers, health profess...
09/07/2026

Essential services are made possible by essential people.

This Labor Day, we honor the educators, drivers, health professionals, case managers, counselors, food-service teams, advocates, facilities staff and administrative teams whose skill and care strengthen our community every day.

Worker dignity means safe and respectful workplaces, fair opportunity, and meaningful recognition for the people who keep care moving.

To workers across Santa Cruz County and beyond: thank you.

Preparedness is an act of care.An emergency plan helps protect more than property—it protects health, dignity and contin...
09/04/2026

Preparedness is an act of care.

An emergency plan helps protect more than property—it protects health, dignity and continuity of care. This National Preparedness Month, take one step today: know your evacuation zone, sign up for local alerts, prepare essential medications and documents, or confirm how you will reconnect with loved ones.

When we prepare together, our whole community is safer and more resilient.

Each meal brings nourishment and connection. Friendly visits help reduce isolation and support wellbeing.Learn more: Com...
08/26/2026

Each meal brings nourishment and connection. Friendly visits help reduce isolation and support wellbeing.

Learn more: CommunityBridges.org/MOW



Spanish
Cada comida trae nutrición y conexión. Las visitas amistosas ayudan a reducir el aislamiento y apoyar el bienestar.

Conoce más: CommunityBridges.org/MOW

Community is more than a place. It is the commitment we make to one another.On National Nonprofit Day, we recognize the ...
08/17/2026

Community is more than a place. It is the commitment we make to one another.

On National Nonprofit Day, we recognize the staff, volunteers, donors, partners and advocates who make Community Bridges’ mission possible. Across 11 programs and more than 20 locations, our community works together to connect more than 20,000 local children, families and older adults with essential services each year.

From nutritious food and early education to transportation, health care, family resources and crisis support, every connection helps protect dignity, strengthen stability and open new opportunities.

Thank you for helping build a community where everyone has the support they need to thrive.

Learn more or get involved: communitybridges.org

Happy National Parents' Day!Today, we celebrate the parents, grandparents, caregivers, and families who nurture, guide, ...
07/26/2026

Happy National Parents' Day!

Today, we celebrate the parents, grandparents, caregivers, and families who nurture, guide, and strengthen our communities every day.

At Community Bridges, we know that raising a family takes a village. Through our 10 programs, we are proud to provide services that support children, parents, older adults, and individuals across every stage of life. Whether it's early education, family resource centers, behavioral health, nutrition, transportation, or community support services, we're here to help families thrive.

To every caregiver who shows up with love, resilience, and dedication—thank you. Your care builds stronger families and healthier communities.

Happy National Parents' Day from all of us at Community Bridges!
Learn more at communitybridges.org

International Self Care Day 💙Self care isn't selfish. It's one of the most important investments you can make in your he...
07/24/2026

International Self Care Day 💙

Self care isn't selfish. It's one of the most important investments you can make in your health and well being.

A good night's sleep. A nourishing meal. A walk outside. Setting healthy boundaries. Asking for help when you need it. Spending time with people who lift you up. These everyday choices can make a lasting difference in our physical, mental, and emotional health.

But self care isn't always something we can do alone. Sometimes, it begins with having access to the right support.

At Community Bridges, we're committed to making health and well being more accessible across Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. Whether it's affordable counseling and family support through our Family Resource Collectives, healthy foods and nutrition education through WIC, nutritious meals through Meals on Wheels, or enriching day services through Elderday that help older adults and adults with disabilities stay healthy, connected, and independent at home, these are just a few of the many ways Community Bridges supports our community every day.

Whether you're looking for support, caring for a loved one, know someone who could benefit from our services, or simply believe everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, Community Bridges is here to help.

💙 Learn more about our programs and services at CommunityBridges.org.

How will you practice self care today?

A heartfelt thank you to Meals on Wheels America and Subaru of America, Inc. for hosting the annual Share the Love® Camp...
07/23/2026

A heartfelt thank you to Meals on Wheels America and Subaru of America, Inc. for hosting the annual Share the Love® Campaign!

Thanks to the generosity of local Subaru owners and campaign supporters, Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County received $3,710 to help deliver nutritious meals and caring connections to local residents.

Our Subaru Forester allows us to deliver meals all the way to the summit in the San Lorenzo Valley, serving seniors from the Santa Cruz Mountains to the Pajaro Valley. This support helps ensure that older adults throughout our community receive the nutritious meals and neighborly connections they depend on.

We are grateful to the campaign organizers, participating Subaru retailers, and every Subaru owner who chose to support Meals on Wheels. Together, you're helping neighbors stay nourished, connected, and independent.

Thank you to Capitola Vice Mayor Gerry Jensen for joining us during Community Champions Week and spending time alongside...
07/10/2026

Thank you to Capitola Vice Mayor Gerry Jensen for joining us during Community Champions Week and spending time alongside our Meals on Wheels volunteers.

A strong advocate for community involvement and creating a city that works for everyone—including older adults—Vice Mayor Jensen experienced firsthand that Meals on Wheels is more than a meal service. Every delivery provides nutritious food while also bringing connection, reassurance, and routine wellness checks that help older adults remain healthy, independent, and safely at home.

By meeting participants and joining a delivery route, Vice Mayor Jensen saw the care, trust, and compassion that make Meals on Wheels an essential lifeline for seniors throughout Santa Cruz County.

We appreciate Vice Mayor Jensen's dedication to strengthening our community and for helping shine a light on the vital services that support the health, dignity, and independence of local older adults. ❤️🚗🥗

Thank you to Central Fire District Fire Chief Nigel Miller for joining us during Community Champions Week and experienci...
07/08/2026

Thank you to Central Fire District Fire Chief Nigel Miller for joining us during Community Champions Week and experiencing Meals on Wheels firsthand alongside our dedicated volunteers.

As Fire Chief, Chief Miller understands that keeping our community safe means more than responding to emergencies—it also means supporting programs that help prevent crises before they happen. Meals on Wheels is more than a meal service. Every delivery provides nutritious food, connection, reassurance, and routine wellness checks that help older adults remain healthy, independent, and safely at home.

By joining a delivery route and meeting participants, Chief Miller experienced firsthand how Meals on Wheels strengthens the well-being of older adults and helps build a safer, more connected community for everyone.

We appreciate Chief Miller's leadership and his commitment to supporting the health, dignity, and independence of seniors throughout Santa Cruz County. ❤️🚒🥗

🪙 Bay Federal Credit Union Coin Drive was another tremendous success! 💙Thanks to the teamwork of Bay Federal Credit Unio...
07/07/2026

🪙 Bay Federal Credit Union Coin Drive was another tremendous success! 💙

Thanks to the teamwork of Bay Federal Credit Union members, staff, and our community once again, this year's Coin Drive raised $5,952 to provide nutritious meals for older adults served by Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County.

Across six branches, every coin donated and souvenir piggy bank purchased makes a meaningful difference. This longtime tradition has raised more than $101,000 over its 21 years —enough to provide 9,900 meals for local older adults.

We are truly thankful for the Bay Federal Credit Union team for its commitment and enthusiasm to our community, helping ensure that No Senior Goes Hungry in Santa Cruz County. We look forward to partnering again next year!

Address

1777 Capitola Road
Santa Cruz, CA
95062

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+18314643180

Website

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