Dine out for a cause: This campaign feeds seniors and thanks you with $50
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Looking for a meaningful way to give back this season—while enjoying a little something for yourself, too?
One long-running Staten Island tradition is offering locals a chance to support their community in a truly heartwarming (and tasty) way.
Whether you’re passionate about helping seniors, love discovering local restaurants, or just enjoy a good deal with purpose, this campaign checks all the boxes.
It’s about connection, care, and something delicious in return.
Read on to find out how your small act of generosity can go a long way.
How the Donate & Dine campaign works
For a $75 donation, you’ll receive a $50 restaurant gift card to one of Staten Island’s local favorites.
Your contribution directly supports Meals on Wheels of Staten Island, which delivers two nutritious meals a day to seniors who are unable to shop or cook for themselves.
It’s not just about food—it’s about connection, safety, and dignity for some of the borough’s most vulnerable residents.
In addition to the gift card incentive, this year’s campaign also includes a virtual 50/50 raffle and a gift basket drawing, offering even more ways to get involved and maybe win something special.
Also read: Seniors are worried: Is DOGE putting Meals on Wheels at risk?
A daily lifeline for Staten Island’s seniors
Meals on Wheels volunteers do more than drop off meals.
For many older adults, that knock on the door might be the only friendly face they see that day.
Volunteers also provide safety checks and social interaction, helping to spot changes in health or mood that might otherwise go unnoticed.
As Joseph Tornello, president and CEO of Meals on Wheels of Staten Island, shared: “It’s a unique opportunity for people to support our mission of feeding homebound seniors in our borough, while also promoting our local restaurant community.”
Also read: Are you missing out? Discover 7 free and discounted programs for Social Security recipients
Participating restaurants: A taste of Staten Island
Donors can choose from a wide variety of restaurants, ranging from pizzerias and sandwich shops to bakeries and fine dining.
A few of this year’s participating establishments include:
(You can see the full list at mealsonwheelsofsi.org.)
Also read: Essential financial resources for seniors: 25 programs that can help
How to get involved
Here’s how to take part in this year’s campaign:
Your gift goes directly toward Meals on Wheels’ mission to promote independence and wellness for aging Staten Islanders.
Also read: Fresh food shouldn’t be a luxury: How one program is helping seniors eat healthier
Why this campaign matters now more than ever
Thousands of older adults across Staten Island rely on Meals on Wheels not just for daily nourishment, but also for emotional and social support.
These visits often help prevent isolation and can alert caregivers when something is wrong.
At the same time, local restaurants—many still recovering from the challenges of recent years—benefit from the attention, loyalty, and community support generated by this program.
By participating in Donate & Dine, you’re helping to strengthen two vital parts of Staten Island life: our seniors and our small businesses.
Read next: Inside NYC’s anti-loneliness club: Where seniors find connection and purpose—one story at a time
Have you ever participated in Donate & Dine, or do you have a favorite Staten Island restaurant on the list? Maybe you’ve volunteered with Meals on Wheels and have a story to share—or know someone who could benefit from their services.
Whether you’re new to the campaign or a returning supporter, we’d love to hear your experiences and tips. Let’s celebrate the power of generosity, good food, and community connection together!
One long-running Staten Island tradition is offering locals a chance to support their community in a truly heartwarming (and tasty) way.
Whether you’re passionate about helping seniors, love discovering local restaurants, or just enjoy a good deal with purpose, this campaign checks all the boxes.
It’s about connection, care, and something delicious in return.
Read on to find out how your small act of generosity can go a long way.
The Donate & Dine campaign brings together neighbors, local restaurants, and volunteers to support homebound seniors. Image Source: Pexels / Zak Chapman.
How the Donate & Dine campaign works
For a $75 donation, you’ll receive a $50 restaurant gift card to one of Staten Island’s local favorites.
Your contribution directly supports Meals on Wheels of Staten Island, which delivers two nutritious meals a day to seniors who are unable to shop or cook for themselves.
It’s not just about food—it’s about connection, safety, and dignity for some of the borough’s most vulnerable residents.
In addition to the gift card incentive, this year’s campaign also includes a virtual 50/50 raffle and a gift basket drawing, offering even more ways to get involved and maybe win something special.
Also read: Seniors are worried: Is DOGE putting Meals on Wheels at risk?
A daily lifeline for Staten Island’s seniors
Meals on Wheels volunteers do more than drop off meals.
For many older adults, that knock on the door might be the only friendly face they see that day.
Volunteers also provide safety checks and social interaction, helping to spot changes in health or mood that might otherwise go unnoticed.
As Joseph Tornello, president and CEO of Meals on Wheels of Staten Island, shared: “It’s a unique opportunity for people to support our mission of feeding homebound seniors in our borough, while also promoting our local restaurant community.”
Also read: Are you missing out? Discover 7 free and discounted programs for Social Security recipients
Participating restaurants: A taste of Staten Island
Donors can choose from a wide variety of restaurants, ranging from pizzerias and sandwich shops to bakeries and fine dining.
A few of this year’s participating establishments include:
- Beyar’s Market
- Blue Pearl
- Canlon’s
- Denino’s
- Don Roberto
- Filoncino Cafe
- Jersey Mike’s Subs
- Joyce’s Tavern
- La Bella Marketplace
- Panini Grill
- Sally’s Southern
- Sofia’s Taqueria
- Violettes Cellar
(You can see the full list at mealsonwheelsofsi.org.)
The 2025 Donate & Dine Campaign offers a $50 restaurant gift card in return for a $75 donation to help feed homebound seniors on Staten Island. Image Source: Meals on Wheels of Staten Island.
Also read: Essential financial resources for seniors: 25 programs that can help
How to get involved
Here’s how to take part in this year’s campaign:
- Donate $75 through the official Meals on Wheels of Staten Island website.
- Select your preferred restaurant from the list of 24 participating local spots.
- Receive a $50 gift card after the campaign ends on October 30.
- Enter the 50/50 raffle and gift basket drawing, if you’d like.
- Tune in to the livestreamed event on October 30 to see if you’re a winner.
Your gift goes directly toward Meals on Wheels’ mission to promote independence and wellness for aging Staten Islanders.
Also read: Fresh food shouldn’t be a luxury: How one program is helping seniors eat healthier
Why this campaign matters now more than ever
Thousands of older adults across Staten Island rely on Meals on Wheels not just for daily nourishment, but also for emotional and social support.
These visits often help prevent isolation and can alert caregivers when something is wrong.
At the same time, local restaurants—many still recovering from the challenges of recent years—benefit from the attention, loyalty, and community support generated by this program.
By participating in Donate & Dine, you’re helping to strengthen two vital parts of Staten Island life: our seniors and our small businesses.
Read next: Inside NYC’s anti-loneliness club: Where seniors find connection and purpose—one story at a time
Have you ever participated in Donate & Dine, or do you have a favorite Staten Island restaurant on the list? Maybe you’ve volunteered with Meals on Wheels and have a story to share—or know someone who could benefit from their services.
Whether you’re new to the campaign or a returning supporter, we’d love to hear your experiences and tips. Let’s celebrate the power of generosity, good food, and community connection together!
