New Eastside Resource Center coming to Portland

Meals on Wheels People - Portland, Oregon

In the heart of the Portland metro area, Meals on Wheels People serves as a daily lifeline for thousands of older adults. With more than 1million meals delivered each year to over 11,400 seniors and at-risk individuals, their work goes well beyond nutrition. Each meal comes with a vital human connection, a friendly face at the door, a wellness check, and a reminder that someone cares. For many homebound seniors, these visits are a rare and cherished moment of interaction, helping to ease the negative health impact of isolation while providing a sense of dignity and belonging.

Now, Meals on Wheels People is embarking on an ambitious capital campaign “Together at the Table” that will deepen and expand this impact. At the center of the campaign is the development of the Eastside Resource Center in Southeast Portland, a space designed to bring older adults together in meaningful ways. This new facility will include a technology learning center to help older adults stay connected using their phones and computers; an innovative dining center with flexible hours and culturally specific menu options; commercial-grade kitchen that will allow for greater efficiency and meal emergency preparedness; space for the preparation of medically tailored meals for those managing chronic health conditions; and much more. This new space will help Meals on Wheels People respond to the growing need in our community, the nutritious food they need to remain healthy and independent in their own homes.

But the Meals on Wheels People Eastside Resource Center is not just about food. It’s about creating a place where the community thrives. Welcoming gathering spaces will host shared meals, wellness activities, volunteer orientations, and educational programming. Everything from health workshops to social events that bring joy, purpose, and friendship into daily life. Designed with increasing accessibility in mind, the center will provide a safe, inclusive environment where every participant feels respected and at home.

These improvements are crucial in a time when so many older adults face increasing physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Social isolation is a growing public health concern, and opportunities for meaningful connection can be scarce. Meals on Wheels People is working to change that not just by delivering meals, but by weaving a stronger safety net of care and connection throughout the community by building the new Eastside Resource Center. 

The JTMF Foundation is proud to support the “Together at the Table” campaign, standing alongside Meals on Wheels People as they bring this vision to life.

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