ABOUT US

Our History

In 1968, CEDA and local Cook County residents saw that many Evanston seniors were struggling with malnutrition because they could no longer shop for or prepare meals. They turned to Sister Mary Alfreda Bracht of Saint Francis Hospital, who arranged for the hospital kitchen to prepare meals for home delivery.

Volunteers organized routes, and Meals on Wheels Northeastern Illinois began delivering meals in October 1968. As more communities across northern Cook and Lake Counties identified the same need, our service area and volunteer base steadily expanded.

Today, from Wilmette to Winthrop Harbor and Lake Forest to Lincolnshire, that early grassroots effort continues to grow—ensuring older adults receive the nourishment and connection they deserve.

1 in 6 seniors…

Across the nation struggle to get the nutrition they need every day. In our neighborhood alone, that’s more than 30,000 people.

Meals on Wheels Northeastern Illinois delivers fresh, healthy meals to neighbors who cannot prepare food at home. Powered by a dedicated network of volunteers, we support older adults, people with disabilities, and individuals recovering from medical procedures.

Many of the seniors we serve live on fixed incomes and face difficult choices between housing, medication, and food. To ensure no one goes without support, many of our clients receive reduced‑fee services.

As the region’s leading provider of home-delivered meals and support services for older adults, we are committed to promoting the health, well-being, and independence of every client we serve.