FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2025
Pacific Grove, Calif. – Meals on Wheels California (MOWCA) – a Meals on Wheels America-affiliated state association – announced today the appointment of Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula’s (MOWMP) Christine Winge as the new President of its Board of Directors, effective immediately.
Winge brings decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, public policy, and community advocacy to her new role with MOWCA. She succeeds outgoing Board President Brent Wakefield of Meals on Wheels San Diego County, who completed a successful tenure marked by strategic growth and expanded statewide outreach.
Winge is the President & CEO of MOWMP – an organization producing and delivering nearly one million meals a year across Monterey County – and has held leadership roles with the Alliance on Aging and other California nonprofits. A long-time advocate for equity in aging, Winge plans to focus on increasing access to services in underserved communities and building sustainable partnerships to meet rapidly rising demand.
“I’m honored to step into this role at such a critical time,” says Winge. “Meals on Wheels is more than just a meal, it’s a lifeline. I look forward to representing Monterey County and working with partners statewide to ensure every senior in California can live nourished and connected.”
Meals on Wheels services and the broader aging network are an important part of the larger health care system and help save lives and taxpayer dollars. Programs like MOWMP can support a senior for an entire year for roughly the same cost as ten days in a long-term care facility or a single day in the hospital.
“Senior hunger and malnutrition are national crises that impact older adults throughout the country,” said Ellie Hollander, President & CEO of Meals on Wheels America. “With 13 million seniors experiencing or at risk of hunger, it is critical that we don’t leave our aging neighbors behind. Meals on Wheels already exist in nearly every community, but the network simply does not have sufficient funding to reach all older adults in need, which has led to mounting nationwide waiting lists.”
One of Winge’s top priorities with MOWCA will be strengthening the bridge between local Meals on Wheels providers and state-level decision-makers, ensuring that diverse county needs – from urban centers to rural communities – are reflected in statewide strategies, funding priorities, and legislative advocacy. Her appointment marks a significant step forward in strengthening the organization’s advocacy at both the state and local levels, ensuring that vulnerable seniors continue to receive the care and support they need to age with dignity.
“This work is deeply personal to me,” Winge continues. “Every county in California faces unique challenges when it comes to serving seniors and my goal is to elevate those differences and make sure state policy doesn’t take a one-size-fits-all approach.” Winge adds, “County programs are the backbone of this work, and their insights must light our path forward. I’m excited to lead alongside an incredible team at MOWCA to ensure that no senior is left behind.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Christine as our new Board President,” says Willy Gloria, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels California. As we confront one of the most significant demographic shifts in California history, we are entering a new era of opportunity and urgency.” Gloria continues, “To meet the ever-changing service landscape, we need leaders who understand the intersection of policy, people, and place, and she has the expertise and heart to guide us forward.”
With nearly five million Californians aged 65 and older – and that number growing rapidly – Meals on Wheels California is doubling down on its mission: delivering not just meals, but care, connection, and community.
Gloria concludes, “Christine brings a bold, equity-driven vision to our vast nonprofit network. As Board President, she will spearhead efforts to expand access to critical services for homebound seniors, strengthen statewide advocacy, and champion innovation across local programs.”
To learn more about MOWCA and its programs serving the state, click here.
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