The 2025 Meals on Wheels America Conference: More Than Just Delivering Food

The 2025 Meals on Wheels America Annual Conference & Expo, held recently in San Antonio, was more than a gathering—it was a spark. For four days, program leaders, volunteers, and partners filled the Marriott Rivercenter with energy, ideas, and a shared sense of purpose. And, unlike the vibe of most foodservice conferences, every person there carried the same conviction: Serving seniors is about much more than delivering food.

Fueling the Spirit

Again and again, conversations circled back to one theme: Meals on Wheels programs don’t just bring nutrition—they bring connection, trust, and care. That truth shone in sessions like The Ins and Outs of Social Connection Programming, where leaders shared how relationships with drivers and volunteers often mean as much to seniors as the meals themselves. The message was unmistakable: Food fuels the body, but connection fuels the spirit.

Strength in Partners

The conference also highlighted how extensive the Meals on Wheels ecosystem has become. One powerful example came from PetSmart Charities. They stepped in to support seniors by ensuring pets are fed and cared for, recognizing that many older adults were sharing their meals with their beloved companions. By protecting the bond between seniors and their animals, they help preserve both nutrition and quality of life.

Efficiency with Heart

Culinary efficiency was a hot topic throughout the week, as well. Sessions like, Save More, Solve More and Serve More with the MORE Program (Member Offers, Rewards, and Expertise), focused on saving dollars that can be redirected into meals. Attendees agreed that efficiency is key to “ending the wait.” Still, nuance was part of the conversation. Route optimization might improve delivery speed, but if it disrupts the bond between a senior and their regular driver, it risks cutting into the meat of the mission. The challenge isn’t just to be efficient—it’s to be efficient with heart.

Bringing AI Into the Kitchen

As part of the MORE partner learning sessions, Galley’s own Josh Branham led a session on how artificial intelligence can transform community foodservice. He shared how AI-driven tools can help operators reduce waste, plan menus with greater precision, and save staff time—all while preserving the mission-driven focus that Meals on Wheels programs require. His session illustrated what many discussions hinted at throughout the week: Innovation and technology, when applied thoughtfully, can strengthen—not dilute—the impact of this movement.

A Culture Starts at the Top

That balance of innovation and compassion is nurtured by leadership. Ellie Hollander, CEO of Meals on Wheels America, set the tone in her opening remarks, underscoring the urgency of “ending the wait.” Her commitment radiated through every keynote and breakout, creating a culture where efficiency and empathy stand side by side.

Our Shared Commitment

For Galley, being a Meals on Wheels MORE Program partner and sponsor is a privilege. As a Culinary Resource Planning (CRP) platform, we exist to help programs sharpen culinary efficiency—streamlining production, reducing food costs, and minimizing waste—so more seniors can be served. But just like Meals on Wheels, we know efficiency is never the goal–it’s the means to create more moments of care and connection.

Looking Ahead

The San Antonio conference proved once again that Meals on Wheels is not just a service—it’s a movement defined by passion, creativity, and compassion. We were inspired by the community and proud to stand alongside it. And we look forward to supporting this mission for many years to come.