Kamal Ghorui
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos‘ ex-wife MacKenzie Scott has made her latest donation to Meals on Wheels America. The $70 million funding from Scott, who was also an early Amazon employee, will support meal delivery and care services for seniors and homebound individuals across the US. Scott’s donation is part of her broader philanthropic efforts, with total donations reaching $26 billion since 2020.According to a report by Fortune, Meals on Wheels America has confirmed that the contribution comes at a time when one in three local providers has a wait-list, with elderly individuals waiting an average of four months for meals and related services. The organisation also said that the unrestricted funding will help expand its nationwide network, which currently delivers meals, social connection, and safety checks to more than 2 million people each year.
How MacKenzie Scott’s donation to Meals on Wheels America will support elderly people in US
Meals on Wheels America told Fortune that with Scott’s donation, it can place greater emphasis on efforts to “strengthen the network’s capacity” over the long term and provide additional support to local providers.The organization currently supports more than 5,000 community-based programs addressing senior hunger and isolation. Meals on Wheels America said Scott’s contribution will have a meaningful impact, but it will not fully meet the country’s increasing demand. It also expressed hope that the donation will encourage others to contribute.In a statement to Fortune, Kristine Templin, chief development and marketing officer at Meals on Wheels America, said, “We will steward the investment thoughtfully and responsibly to help generate economies of scale and impact that strengthen the capacity of local providers so they can reach more older adults with meals, connection and care. Ultimately, success means more seniors are able to access the support they need to live more nourished, independent, and healthy lives.”Since 2020, Scott has donated billions without restrictions through her foundation Yield Giving. Her recent contributions include $7 million to Red Lake Nation College and $42 million to Elizabeth City State University, taking her total donations to historically Black colleges and universities past $1 billion. She has also supported institutions like Howard University and Spelman College, alongside $436 million to Habitat for Humanity, $90 million to climate initiatives, and $84.5 million to Girl Scouts of the USA. In 2025 alone, Scott donated $7.2 billion.
