What's New: As the aging population in America continues to grow, so does the Meals on Wheels for Western New York client list. In order to sustain our home-delivered meal services, we've developed a new business model that has grown substantially in recent years.

Beginning in 2012, MOW began fulfilling contracts for meal preparation for other not-for-profits in New York and Pennsylvania. This was made possible because of the expansion of the commissary in 2009, and due to the partnership we began with Bateman Community Living in 2014. Between 2012 and the beginning of 2016, the percentage of meals produced for outside business clients rose from less than one percent to 22.5 percent of our overall meals served! In the last year alone, MOW/Bateman have added five additional contracts, including Buffalo City Mission, Cicero Cottages, Crawford County Active Aging, Hispanics United of Buffalo, and Livingston County Meals on Wheels. While home-delivered meals and meal production for congregate dining at county-sponsored locations remain the core business lines, the ancillary meal preparation is the largest area of growth.

"We're really ratcheting up the additional business model," CEO and President Tara A. Ellis said. "Why? In order to protect the traditional business model, we need to make sure we have ways of covering the gaps in funding."

We've also been able to test new offerings for traditional clients, including piloting a made-without-gluten meal and planning the rollout of a lactose-free milk option. When funding allows, we've provided enhanced offerings, such as protein bars and eggs for our renal clients. We also are investigating the potential to launch a "gourmet" option in the future.

"For us, a huge part of new growth means meeting the changing needs of older adults, but also preparing a strong financial base so that those vulnerable individuals never need to worry about whether services will be there. That's our promise to the community - we'll be there!" Ellis said.