SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Santa Monica Closeup joined Meals on Wheels West Executive Director Kaylee Hawkins for a behind-the-scenes look at how the organization prepares and delivers meals to homebound residents across the Westside.
During a tour of the Santa Monica facility, Hawkins explained how meals are received and organized before volunteers depart on daily delivery routes.
Clients typically receive a hot entrée, a cold side dish, and fruit, along with a frozen meal intended for the following day to help ensure consistent nutrition between deliveries. Meals are delivered three times per week—Monday, Wednesday, and Friday—with frozen meals provided for the days in between.
Meals on Wheels West also accommodates vegetarian and medically tailored diets, including options designed for individuals managing conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease. All meals are approved by a Los Angeles County registered dietitian.
According to Hawkins, the program delivers meals to approximately 400 to 450 clients each day across about 40 delivery routes, with volunteers typically serving around ten clients per route.
The organization has operated in the region for more than 50 years, serving residents across Santa Monica, Venice, Marina del Rey, Pacific Palisades, and Malibu.
Beyond nutrition, Hawkins said the deliveries also provide an important point of human connection for many clients who live alone.
“More than 80 percent of our clients live completely on their own,” Hawkins said. “We’re not only delivering food—we’re delivering social connection.”
Volunteers also serve as informal wellness checks. If something appears unusual during a visit, Meals on Wheels West staff can connect clients with additional support services through a network of community partners.
Following the facility tour, Santa Monica Closeup accompanied Hawkins on a delivery route where meals were delivered to several local clients.
One Santa Monica resident, who identified herself as “Miss Lulu,” invited the team into her apartment and described how the program helps her manage a limited budget and difficulty getting to the grocery store.
“Meals on Wheels helps me out,” she said. “When you’re choosing between rent and food, it makes a big difference.”
She said she has been receiving the meals for several years and sometimes struggles to travel to the store.
“Sometimes it’s hard for me to get out,” she said. “Having the meals has really helped get me through.”
Another recipient visited during the route was Charles, a military veteran recovering from cancer treatment. Charles said the program provided support during a difficult period when he was undergoing chemotherapy and rebuilding his life.
“They were going out of their way to help me out,” he said of Meals on Wheels staff and volunteers. “It was life-saving.”
Charles, who served as a corpsman during the Vietnam War and later worked as a nurse for decades, said the deliveries not only provide food but also emotional support.
“They check on me and keep my spirits up,” he said. “It’s been a great help.”
A third delivery was made to Joseph, a Santa Monica resident who is blind and said the program has been helpful in maintaining regular meals.
“It’s been helpful,” Joseph said of the deliveries.
Joseph said he appreciates the volunteers who bring the meals and encouraged community members to support the program.
“It would be nice if we could get more volunteers,” he said.
For all three residents, the deliveries represent more than just food — they provide consistency, contact, and support during challenging circumstances.
Hawkins said the organization relies heavily on community support to sustain the program. While some funding comes from government sources, much of Meals on Wheels West’s operating budget comes from private donations and community partnerships.
With food costs continuing to rise and demand for services increasing, the organization encourages residents interested in helping to volunteer or donate.
Santa Monica Closeup continues to document community programs and local efforts supporting residents across Santa Monica and the Westside.
#SantaMonica #MealsOnWheels #CommunitySupport #SeniorSupport #fooddelivery
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