By Jorge Casuso

March 18, 2026 -- Meals on Wheels quickly recovered from a freezer malfunction Monday that led to the loss of half of the meals the agency delivers to the homebound in Santa Monica and across the Westside.

Staff at the Santa Monica-based agency arrived Monday morning to find that some 200 of the frozen meals stocked for delivery at one of its freezers had to be thrown out.

"It wasn't a complete loss of meals, but we did lose nearly half of our frozen meal delivery," Kaylee Hawkins, executive director of Meals on Wheels West, said in a video posted on social media.

"Thanks to our meal partners and volunteers, we successfully delivered frozen meals to everyone who missed out yesterday," Hawkins said Tuesday evening.

In addition, supporters pitched in by purchasing wireless temperature sensors through the group's Amazon Wish List for about $70 each "that provide a permanent 'alarm system.'"

The sensors monitor the equipment at the agency's facility at 1823-A Michigan Avenue saving "hundreds of meals from future failure," officials said.

Meals on Wheels is seeking donations to recover the $800 in lost food costs. to donate, visit mealsonwheelswest.org/donate

Meals on Wheels West has more than 40 routes that deliver to more than 700 homebound clients of all ages and incomes in Santa Monica, Venice and across the Westside, according to the agency's website.

"No matter why a person is homebound -- chronic illness, frailty, disability, recent surgery or other physical or mental health issues they face two major difficulties: poor nutrition and isolation," the website states.

"Our friendly calls and in-person Wellness Checks alleviate loneliness while monitoring health and wellness," the site says.

Homebound residents of Santa Monica, Venice, Marina del Rey, Pacific Palisades, and Malibu, who are unable to shop or cook for themselves are eligible.

For more information visit mealsonwheelswest.org