MOWA’s TASTE 2026: Raising funds for senior meals

Seven dollars.

That is what it costs to feed a senior one meal through Meals on Wheels Atlanta (MOWA), and on Friday evening at 1705WEST, attendees raised their paddles to ensure more of those meals are delivered.

“$7, believe it or not, feeds a senior one meal,” Meals on Wheels Atlanta CEO Charlene Crusoe-Ingram told the crowd. “We need a lot of $7 because we have a whole lot of seniors on the wait list.”

The occasion was TASTE 2026, the organization’s signature annual fundraiser, now in its fifth year. The evening brought together Atlanta’s culinary community for a night of food, entertainment, and purpose built around a single mission, ending senior hunger in the metro area.

“This year’s TASTE is especially meaningful as we celebrate five years of bringing Atlanta’s culinary community together to support our seniors,” Crusoe-Ingram said. “While we honor how far this event has come, the need continues to grow. Every ticket purchased helps us serve more seniors waiting for meals and connection.”

Meals on Wheels Atlanta currently serves more than 550 seniors two meals a day, but more than 800 remain on a waiting list.

Brandon Jenkins, creative director at MOWA, who created TASTE five years ago as a gateway for younger donors to connect with the organization, was honored Friday with a recognition from the state senate and a proclamation from Mayor Andre Dickens, presented by State Sen. RaShaun Kemp, whose district is where the organization’s headquarters resides. Kemp said the honor reflected something personal.

“I was raised by my great grandma, and to see so many seniors in our community in Metro Atlanta being served by this organization is truly special to me,” Kemp said. “They’re making an impact and improving the quality of life for so many seniors across Metro Atlanta.”

Jenkins received the recognition with characteristic humility.

“It feels great to know that not only am I being recognized by the city and the state of Georgia, but also that seniors are being highlighted on this platform,” Jenkins said. “Hopefully, more folks will be attracted to the organization.”

Tahj Crutch, a member of the Meals on Wheels Atlanta Young Professionals Board, said the annual event serves a purpose that extends beyond the evening itself.

“It’s about getting seniors off the wait list so we can feed our seniors in our area of Atlanta,” Crutch said. “Without them, we wouldn’t even be here.”

This year’s event carried the theme “Unbridled Flavor. Unmatched Impact,” inspired by the Year of the Horse. Guests sampled bites from a rotating lineup of Atlanta restaurants and chef-driven pop-ups, including Canoe, Lazy Betty, Kamayan ATL, Fireside Jamaican Restaurant, and Nana’s Chicken and Waffles, among others. The evening also featured cocktails, live entertainment, silent and live auction packages, and immersive brand activations.

Among the vendors making an impression was Natalie B. Johnson, owner of Undnibl Catering, a full-service catering company known for delivering professional culinary experiences. Johnson brought her seafood expertise to the event, serving a lump crab and shrimp dip that drew strong reviews from guests.

“It’s a great opportunity to get exposure and also helps the community on the whole,” Johnson said. “You’re helping people who are not able to help themselves.”

Thirteen Atlanta Tastemakers, leaders across media, business, technology, food, and culture, were recognized as event ambassadors. Honorees included Imani Ellis of The Creative Collective NYC and CultureCon, Faith Jessie of NBC Atlanta/11Alive, and Taylor Carter of AMB Sports and Entertainment.

For Jenkins, Friday’s event was never just about one night.

“My hope for TASTE is that we will create a longstanding event that will continue to raise additional funds and awareness for the organization and create a legacy,” he said.

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