Friends of Meals on Wheels volunteers build community to support Yolo County’s senior nutrition program
by Dorothy Korber
For nearly 1,400 vulnerable seniors in Yolo County, Friends of Meals on Wheels (FOMOW) are not just good friends, they’re a spirited group of volunteers that raises much-needed dollars for the essential meal delivery and social engagement program for seniors. And, they happen to have a lot of fun doing it along the way.
FOMOW organizes two convivial fundraisers a year that each draw hundreds of people. In May, there’s the Epicurean Esprit, an outdoor sampler of food and wine provided by local restaurants and wineries. Then December brings the Dickens in the Valley Holiday Home Tour, inspired by Yolo County’s beautiful Victorian houses.
Board member Debbie Singh has been an enthusiastic participant in Friends of Meals on Wheels for more than 30 years. She describes the group as the “ultimate volunteers.”
“The Friends are residents of Yolo County who have a special place in their hearts for our frail elderly,” she says. “Not all of us can support the program by delivering meals, but by organizing these community events, we can fill some of the financial needs of our local Meals on Wheels program.”
“Not all of us can support the program by delivering meals, but by organizing these community events, we can fill some of the financial needs of our local Meals on Wheels program.”
Debbie Singh, Volunteer, Friends of Meals on Wheels
Those needs are real, according to Joy Cohan, executive director of Meals on Wheels Yolo County.
“Our annual operating budget of $3.6 million is only 15 percent from government funding; the other 85% we have to raise on our own,” she says.
While the money brought in by FOMOW—$63,000 in 2025—is welcome, the group’s impact is much broader.
“Their contribution goes far beyond the dollars they raise each year,” Cohan says. “It’s the community spirit that it builds. It’s the name recognition it creates. These are treasured community events.Additionally, FOMOW’s efforts are extraordinarily helpful to our year-round fundraising work. They inspire other donations—and they’re inspiring other volunteers.”
Last December’s Dickens in the Valley Holiday Home Tour sold 476 tickets, says Singh, the Friends board member.
“That was a considerable increase over the previous year’s sale of 366 tickets,” she says. “I volunteer at the holiday homes, and I see many of the same people coming back every year. Families tell us that the event is their tradition to kick off the Christmas season. They know they’re giving back to Meals on Wheels in their community – and they have fun doing it.”
Although the tour started 23 years ago as a showcase for Victorian homes, today the selection of houses is more eclectic.
“We’re not necessarily focused on the style of home as much as their over-the-top decorations,” Singh explains. “Our main goal is to find local homeowners with an absolute passion for holiday decorating.”
Next on the Friends’ calendar is the Epicurean Esprit food-and-wine sampler on May 20 at The Hive Tasting Room and Kitchen in Woodland.
“This is our 34th year for Epicurean Esprit, which is our biggest event and brings in the most funds,” Singh says. “It is very fun, very social and a great way for local businesses to showcase themselves while helping Meals on Wheels. The tickets are expected to be $60, the same as last year, when we welcomed a sold-out crowd of 500.”
Organizing an annual event for 500 people is a lot of work. But consider this: Meals on Wheels Yolo County prepares and delivers more than 6,000 meals each week to needy seniors.
“People in Yolo County love Meals on Wheels—many of us know from personal experience how critical this service is,” Singh concludes. “MOW has to be creative about raising funds because the need is so great. We’re glad to help.”
To learn more about Friends of Meals on Wheels visit https://friendsofmowyolo.org/
