When it comes to charitable giving, it’s easy to underestimate the power of a small monthly donation. But at Meals on Wheels Contra Costa, even a modest recurring gift of $8 a month can create an outsized impact. In fact, monthly giving is one of the most effective ways to support our mission — ensuring homebound seniors across Contra Costa County receive the nutrition, care, and connection they need to age in place with dignity.
This blog will show you exactly how a $8 monthly gift helps, why recurring donations are essential to our operations, and how you can become part of a giving community that delivers far more than meals.
Why Monthly Giving Matters
Predictable Support = Stronger Programs
Unlike one-time gifts that may fluctuate, recurring donations provide a steady, reliable stream of funding. This consistency allows Meals on Wheels Contra Costa to:
- Reliably fund the cost of meals for homebound seniors across the county
- Respond faster to increases in demand
- Maintain service for over 3,000 older adults each week
When donors give monthly, we can spend less time worrying about funding gaps — and more time meeting the needs of Contra Costa County’s growing senior population.
Meeting More Than Nutritional Needs
Your $8/month helps cover the cost of:
- Nutritious, home-delivered meals prepared to meet the dietary needs of older adults
- Wellness checks performed by trained volunteers or staff with every delivery
- Social connection, a powerful antidote to the isolation and loneliness experienced by many of our clients
Meals on Wheels isn’t just about food. It’s about helping people live independently and safely at home — and monthly donors make that possible.
How Your $8 Monthly Gift Works
Over the course of a year, a $8 monthly donation adds up to $96 — but the impact stretches far beyond the dollars:
| Gift Duration | Amount | Impact |
| 1 Month | $8 | Supports the delivery of one meal and a wellness check |
| 6 Months | $48 | Covers 6 meals for a senior recovering from surgery |
| 12 Months | $96 | Helps provide about two weeks of meals for a low-income senior |
Even small recurring gifts allow us to reach more people, especially those facing food insecurity, limited mobility, or chronic illness.
Did You Know?
Over 90% of recipients report that receiving meals helps them remain in their own home — and 84% say the delivery person is often the only human contact they have that day.
Meals on Wheels America
Advantages of Becoming a Monthly Donor
When you join our Supper Club – the group of monthly donors committed to supporting Meals on Wheels Contra Costa – you’re creating a lasting impact for seniors in our community. As a Supper Club member, you’ll receive:
- A personalized annual giving summary for tax purposes
- The knowledge that you’re providing reliable, ongoing support to local seniors
- Program updates through our quarterly newsletter
This form of giving is also convenient for you — set it up once and know you’re making a difference all year long.
Who Benefits From Your Gift?
Meals on Wheels Contra Costa serves older adults across Contra Costa County who are:
- Over the age of 60
- Homebound or have limited mobility
- At risk of hunger or malnutrition
- Living alone or with limited social support
Every dollar donated helps extend services to the growing population of seniors who need us. With the aging of our communities and rising food costs, your monthly gift is more critical than ever.
Learn More on How Meals on Wheels Contra Costa Supports Seniors’ Quality of Life
How to Set Up Your Monthly Gift
Getting started is quick and secure:
- Visit our donation page.
- Choose your donation amount
- Select “Make this a monthly donation.”
- Complete your payment information and submit.
You can modify or cancel your donation anytime, but most donors find great satisfaction in seeing how small, consistent giving makes a big impact.
Small Gift. Big Difference. Every Month.
When you commit to a monthly donation, you’re not just feeding someone — you’re helping them stay in the home they love, surrounded by the community they’ve helped build. You’re also giving them a reason to smile, someone to talk to, and peace of mind.
Your monthly support fuels everything from food preparation and delivery to the relationships that blossom on doorsteps across Contra Costa County.
Join Us — Become a Monthly Donor Today
Let’s build a community where no senior is left behind. Your generosity can help ensure that vulnerable older adults receive the meals and human connection they need — not just today, but every day.
