Mollie’s Meals is a home-delivered meal initiative from the Jewish Association on Aging (JAA), in partnership with the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging. While the program provides nourishing and yummy food, it offers far more—it delivers comfort, connection, and community to those who need it most.
Each Mollie’s Meal is freshly prepared in JAA’s kitchens and is thoughtfully created to be both nutritious and delicious. In its most recent routine inspection, the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging awarded Mollie’s Meals an A+, with inspectors commending both the taste and overall quality of the food. All meals are easy to microwave or freeze, offering recipients convenience, flexibility, and the peace of mind knowing they have a healthy meal option on hand whenever they need it.
What truly sets Mollie’s Meals apart is the human connection that comes with each delivery. Dedicated volunteers are the heart of the program. With each meal they bring, these friendly faces arrive not just with meals, but with open hearts and listening ears. For many older adults living alone, these check-ins are the highlight of the day—a brief but meaningful moment of connection that can lift spirits, provide reassurance, and help keep them safe.
“Mollie’s Meals isn’t just about feeding the body,” says one longtime volunteer. “It’s about feeding the soul. You’re not just delivering a lunch—you’re delivering care, companionship, and a reminder that someone is thinking about them.”
These regular visits also serve a practical purpose. Volunteers are often the first to notice if something seems off, like a missed delivery, a change in behavior, or a health concern, and can alert the appropriate support. This informal monitoring can be crucial, adding another layer of care that can help prevent larger health issues.
These visits and meal deliveries have been especially important during the recent severe weather we’ve experienced. From the strong storm in late April that left some without power for more than a week, to last month’s extreme heat, with temperatures over 90 degrees that felt like over 100, it was essential that seniors remained safe at home, had someone to check in on them, and received healthy meals delivered right to their door.
The program is especially meaningful because it reflects the values of dignity, community, and compassion. Named in memory of Mollie, a beloved community member whose legacy lives on in every delivery, it brings neighbors together to support one another in quiet yet powerful ways.
Whether it’s the comfort of a hot meal, the joy of a familiar knock at the door, or the security of knowing that someone will be back to check in tomorrow, Mollie’s Meals is more than a service—it’s truly a lifeline. It’s a shining example of how resources, dedicated organizations like the JAA, and caring volunteers can come together to nourish a community from the inside out.
If you or someone you know in the Squirrel Hill, Greenfield, East End, Shadyside, or Oakland neighborhoods could benefit from Mollie’s Meals—or if you’re inspired to volunteer—please contact us at 412-421-7616 or [email protected]. Together, we can ensure that no senior goes without a meal… or a smile.
-Sharyn Rubin, MEd
Director of Resident & Community Services