Our Mission
Promote independence for area seniors by alleviating hunger and social isolation.
Our Vision
A community where all seniors live nourished lives.
What is Meals on Wheels?
For nearly 70 years, Meals on Wheels member programs have been a force in the fight against senior hunger and isolation. Programs operating under the name "Meals on Wheels" started in the United States in Philadelphia in the 1950s, serving food to homebound folks who would otherwise go hungry.
Meals on Wheels America was founded in 1974 as the primary association of home-delivered meal and senior services programs nation-wide. Independent programs like ours partner with the national organization to reassure clients and families of our high standard of quality among all our services. As part of the nationwide effort to improve the conditions of our aging population, we commit to operating at a level of quality that preserves the dignity of all our clients and makes us proud to be a part of the Meals on Wheels family of organizations.
Our History
Meals on Wheels South Texas was founded in 1979 as the Victoria Senior Citizens Association. Since our founding, we have worked to improve the quality of life of older adults through home-delivered meals for homebound seniors; congregate meals and recreational activities for mobile seniors; and other services supporting social connection for older adults.
For our first four decades, we served primarily within the city limits of Victoria. In 2018, we became a member of Meals on Wheels America and adopted the name Meals on Wheels Victoria.
In 2020, responding to increased demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, we expanded home-delivered meal services into rural Victoria County. In July 2021, with support from United Way of the Crossroads, we extended our services into central DeWitt County. As our reach continued to grow beyond Victoria County, we adopted the name Meals on Wheels South Texas in 2022 to reflect our expanding regional mission.
In 2024, we further expanded our reach by assuming responsibility for clients previously served by Crossroads Community Action following the closure of its meal program. That same year, we began serving residents of Goliad County through a state Title XX contract.
Our regional growth continued in October 2026, when we expanded into Jackson County through a new state contract, assuming responsibility for clients previously served by Friends of Elder Citizens.
Today, nearly five decades after our founding, Meals on Wheels South Texas serves older adults throughout Victoria, DeWitt, and Jackson counties and portions of Goliad County. We continue to build on our history of service, adapting to the changing needs of older adults and expanding access to nutrition, connection, and support that helps them remain healthy and independent.
Our Work
Each premade meal is designed by a registered dietician to provide key nutrients. When we make a delivery, a senior receives needed nutrition to heal and thrive and the kindness of a smiling volunteer; sometimes, that delivery is the only social interaction a senior can expect all day.
MOWSTX is, at heart, a home-delivered meal services organization. But older adults are so much more than bellies to fill. Under the More than a Meal philosophy, our programs take a holistic approach to helping our older neighbors age in place.
Our range of supplementary services focuses on providing companionship. Our region suffers mainly from the effects of loneliness: AARP community health data scores our service area at a 63% risk of social isolation, four times the statewide risk score. More seniors here live alone and struggle with living independently due to a lack of social support systems.
The effects of loneliness on health are well-documented, leading to worsened outcomes following a medical event, lack of motivation to stay healthy and continue to live independently, and increased rates of health complications and death. It's why we deliver More than a Meal:
- Connection Café: Seniors can join us every weekday for lunch and activities (including BINGO, celebrations, and education series on a variety of topics).
- Togetherness: This Friendly Caller and Friendly Visitor program aims to lessen the isolation and loneliness homebound adults can experience. By connecting volunteers with our clients, they can be the social support many lack in their day-to-day lives. By offering weekly calls or visits, you act as a vital safety check-in and social connection.
- P.A.W. Bites/P.A.W. Express: Pets Are Wonderful delivers monthly pet food and vet care to our registered clients for up to two pets per household. Vet care includes basic wellness checks and preventative care. We currently partner with Lone Star Animal Hospital.
- Library 2 Go: The Victoria Public Library and MOWSTX have partnered together to bring library materials to our homebound clients. Our clients can sign up to receive books, magazines, audiobooks, movies, etc., to help enrich their daily lives.
MOWSTX provides services throughout Victoria, DeWitt, and Jackson counties, as well as portions of Goliad County. Give us a call at 361-576-2189 to learn what's available in your area.
