About Us
Serving More Than Meals
Altadena Meals on Wheels has proudly served the community since 1973 as a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Our mission is simple: ensure seniors and individuals in need have access to nutritious, hot meals and are never left hungry.
We are a fully volunteer-run organization with no paid staff, allowing us to keep operating costs extremely low. We receive no federal or state funding and rely entirely on the generosity of individuals, businesses, and philanthropic foundations.
After the Altadena Senior Center was tragically lost in the Eaton Canyon Fires, we are deeply grateful to Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church for providing kitchen space to continue preparing and delivering meals in 2025. In 2026, we are also extremely thankful to Giant Steps who have donated space in their building to us to allow us to continue operations. Giant Steps’ important work was established to help adults with special needs or developmental disability achieve independence and self-sufficiency.
Every donation—no matter the size—helps bridge the gap between client fees and the true cost of meals. Your tax-deductible support makes a meaningful difference, and we encourage donors to check with their employers about matching gift programs.
Thank you for helping us nourish our neighbors and strengthen our community.
The History of AMOW
In January 1972, the Altadena Women’s Club, with Mrs. George Christmann as its chairman, undertook the organizing of Meals on Wheels as a club community improvement project. After intensive study as to the need of such service, the procedure, the availability of supplies and locating a kitchen for the preparation of the meals, the program was launched. This was a total community project and the initial volunteers came from churches, and organizations such as Altadena West, Altadena Woman’s Club and Altadena Women’s Circle, with Pasadena Community Planning Council acting in an advisory capacity.
The organizers had no funds for this project, and it was decided to appeal to local organizations and/or individuals for donations. Financial help came immediately from Pasadena Meals on Wheels, Altadena Kiwanis Club, Altadena Soroptimists, Chi Sigma of Pasadena City College, American Legion #470, Altadena Rotary Club, as well as individuals.
The Pasadena Foundation and California Community foundation provided grants for the purchase of office and kitchen equipment.
An agreement was entered into with The Scripps Home in Altadena for the preparation and packing of the meals. And the first meals were delivered on September 18, 1972 to 13 Altadena shut-in residents. The menus are planned and prepared at the Scripps Home kitchen under the direction of their Home Economist.
At the January 1973 regular meeting of the organizers, a Board of Trustees was formed, a purpose was established, officers were elected and Bylaws were drawn. On April 19, 1973, ALTADENA MEALS ON WHEELS was incorporated as a non-profit organization. The incorporators and first members of the Board of Trustees were: Mr. J. Lester Albright, Miss Mabel C. Cavanah, Mrs. Dorothy Christmann, Mrs. Isabel M. Cramer, Mrs. Ann Sloan Fletcher, Mr. Joseph N. Kapp, Mrs. Adda Mary Larson, Mrs. Monica Z. Peters, Mrs. Florence M. Ponedel, Mr. Clifford F. Turner and Mrs. Mildred C. Turner.
The community provides the volunteers for delivery of the meals, who use their own cars and pay for the gasoline. Meals are delivered between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon, consisting of a hot meal (to be consumed at noon) and a “brown bag” supper. Over 40 shut-ins are served daily Monday through Friday, including holidays provided they fall within the week. At the present time the cost per day for each individual is $2.25.
This community service is intended exclusively to provide meals to Altadena residents who are confined to their homes by reason of illness, accident, convalescence or age. The organization has no paid personnel.
(Article published in Dec. 1996)