Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County says volunteer and provider limits constrain growth; meal price to rise $2 in 2027

Tricia Hudson, who stepped into the role of executive director and CEO of Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County in May, updated the commission on the nonprofit's senior-meal operations and capacity constraints.

"Our mission... supports homebound seniors and adults with disabilities by delivering nutritious, dietary-specific meals," Hudson said, outlining a program that uses three meal providers (Riverview Hospital, Saint Vincent Carmel and Trio Senior Meals), 20 delivery routes and roughly 340 active volunteers who together support the organization's work.

Hudson said the organization currently serves about 150 clients and delivers approximately 6,050 meals monthly. She told commissioners that volunteer capacity and meal-provider production limit the program's ability to add clients; Riverview told them it could potentially serve roughly 40 additional clients if production capacity expands.

The commission heard that Riverview plans a $2 per-meal cost increase beginning in 2027 — raising the current $6.50 charge to roughly $7.35 per meal. Hudson said the nonprofit bills private-pay clients in arrears, has operated with deficits and is reviewing accounts-receivable practices and fundraising to avoid passing unsustainable costs to clients.

Hudson asked the commission for help recruiting volunteer drivers and connecting Meals on Wheels with potential sponsors. Chair and other commissioners offered to list the organization in commission notes and reach out with volunteer and outreach suggestions.