For half a century, MIFA's Meals on Wheels program has delivered more than food to older adults across Memphis and Shelby County.

The organization is marking 50 years of service while reporting rising demand for nutrition support among seniors.

Five decades of meals and connection

MIFA President and CEO Dorcas Young Griffin says the organization has delivered more than 26 million meals over the program's history.

Local reporting says the program currently delivers roughly 2,500 meals a day.

For many recipients, deliveries also bring regular human contact and a connection to community support.

The anniversary is an opportunity to recognize volunteers and workers whose daily efforts have kept the program running.

Demand is growing

MIFA says more than 800 clients have been added since July, with a goal of serving another 1,000 by year's end.

The organization estimates that thousands of Shelby County older adults are at high risk for food insecurity, and many are waiting for assistance.

Higher food and operating costs complicate the challenge of meeting the need.

A daily meal costs approximately $12 to prepare, according to the organization's leadership.

Those figures are snapshots of current demand and may change as additional people enter or leave the program.

How readers can help

MIFA encourages donations and volunteer participation to support meal delivery and other services.

People who know an older adult struggling with food access can contact MIFA directly to learn about programs and eligibility.

Visit mifa.org for current volunteer opportunities, service information and ways to contribute.

Fifty years after the program began, its central mission remains straightforward: helping older neighbors receive nourishing food and stay connected to their community.