SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Meals on Wheels West partnered with national organizations on Friday, May 1, 2026, to highlight the growing issue of social isolation among seniors through a community-based meal delivery initiative in Santa Monica.
The activation began at Meals on Wheels West headquarters on Michigan Avenue, where organizers from the Foundation for Social Connection ACTION NETWORK and Artist for Action gathered alongside Executive Director Kaylee Hawkins. Artist Tiger La Flor joined volunteers for the afternoon deliveries, participating in outreach aimed at connecting with homebound residents.
Andrew MacPherson, founder and executive chair of the Foundation for Social Connection ACTION NETWORK, said home-delivered meal programs play a critical role beyond nutrition.
“Home-delivered meals are such an important part of addressing social isolation and loneliness, especially amongst our seniors in America,” MacPherson said. He noted that nearly half of Americans report experiencing loneliness, with rates among seniors approaching 48 percent, and that isolation is linked to increased risks of serious health conditions.
Following brief remarks, volunteers loaded insulated meal carriers and departed to nearby residences.
During one stop, the group delivered a meal to Paul, a Santa Monica native who has participated in the program for approximately a decade. Paul said the service has been a consistent source of support during periods of declining health.
Photo credit: Foundation for Social Connection ACTION NETWORK
“They’ve been there through thick and thin,” he said. “The meals are part of my life—they really help out a lot.”
Paul, who said he has managed epilepsy since birth, described the challenges of maintaining stability with his health and daily routine. He said Meals on Wheels has helped him stay consistent with nutrition while also providing regular interaction with volunteers.
“I look forward to seeing them,” he said, adding that the visits offer both familiarity and connection throughout the week.
The delivery extended beyond a brief drop-off, with participants spending time speaking with Paul at his home. He noted that some volunteers have maintained relationships with him over the years, occasionally offering additional support outside of standard deliveries.
“Some of these volunteers really go beyond,” Paul said, recalling instances where volunteers provided extra assistance, including food items and small personal support.
Paul, a former musician and vocalist who has performed in bands since childhood, said creative outlets and social interaction remain important to his well-being.
“Music is a great connector,” he said, describing how performing and engaging with others has helped him maintain a sense of purpose.
Meals on Wheels West reports that more than 80 percent of its clients live alone, making regular contact with volunteers an important part of the program. In addition to meal delivery, the organization offers services such as a friendly caller program to provide additional social engagement.
Matthew Reich, co-founder of Artist for Action, said the initiative aims to bring awareness to isolation through community presence and creative engagement.
“Social isolation has become a major issue,” Reich said. “What we’re doing here today is connecting with people.”
Meals on Wheels West has served the Santa Monica and Westside community for more than five decades, delivering meals to homebound residents across Santa Monica, Venice, Marina del Rey, Pacific Palisades, and Malibu.
Organizers said efforts like this are intended to highlight the importance of community-based support systems as demand for services continues to grow.
Santa Monica Closeup continues to document public events and community programs that impact residents across Santa Monica and the Westside.
