SAN DIEGO – Mayor Todd Gloria on Tuesday was named the 2024 Community Champion for Seniors by Meals on Wheels San Diego County, honored for providing the organization with vital resources during the COVID-19 pandemic that enabled Meals on Wheels to fulfill its mission of delivering meals to vulnerable residents without interruption. 

“As a longtime supporter of Meals on Wheels, I am beyond honored to be named as a Community Champion for Seniors by an organization that for more than 60 years has been providing nutritious meals to vulnerable San Diegans,” Mayor Todd Gloria said. “As Mayor, I will continue to prioritize policies and resources that enhance the quality of life of San Diego’s seniors.”  

The award was presented to Mayor Gloria Tuesday evening during an event kicking off Meals on Wheels San Diego County’s 22nd annual Champions Week, a yearly campaign to help raise awareness of the growing number of seniors facing hunger and isolation in the region. The Mayor’s award was one of several announced. 

“Mayor Gloria has been a champion of seniors at both the local and state level for many years now," said Meals on Wheels San Diego County President and CEO Brent Wakefield. “During the pandemic, his support helped us continue to carry out our mission to deliver to isolated seniors in need. As a strong advocate for seniors and a San Diegan, he is emblematic of the importance of collaboration and what it takes to get the job done. In times of need, we can rely on Mayor Gloria and his office for support.” 

In presenting the award to Mayor Gloria, Meals on Wheels San Diego County President and CEO Brent Wakefield noted that Mayor Gloria has been a champion for the organization since being elected to the City Council in 2008. Wakefield noted that Mayor Gloria’s leadership while serving in the state Assembly, particularly his support of the Older Americans Act, has brought millions of dollars to Meals on Wheels organizations throughout California.    

During the pandemic, Wakefield said, Mayor Gloria used his position as mayor to help marshal resources for seniors, such as bottled water and personal protective equipment. 

In gratitude for the charitable work that Meals on Wheels does in San Diego County, Mayor Gloria kicked off Champions Week in 2021, helping raise public awareness of the volunteer-fueled organization.