MAHWAH, NJ – JULY 23, 2026: Yesterday, Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula (MOWMP) of Pacific Grove, California, was announced as a finalist in the Defender Service Honorees Award – Presented by S&P Global Mobility in the sixth annual Defender Service Awards presented by Chase.
Defender powers the will to embrace the impossible. Across the globe, the brand inspires humanitarian action, conservation, and adventure. Today, Defender reveals the finalists for the sixth annual Defender Service Awards, presented by Chase. These organizations embody the unstoppable spirit of Defender. They serve. They impact. They make a difference every day.
Chosen from across North America, these finalists demonstrate determination, commitment, and drive. They champion the power of a shared mission. They embrace the impossible. Together, they prove what it means to be unstoppable.
Founded in 1972, Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula has spent more than five decades ensuring that older adults, adults with disabilities, veterans, and underserved neighbors can remain healthy, independent, and connected to their community. What began as a local meal delivery program has grown into one of the region’s most comprehensive nutrition and senior support organizations, delivering more than 700,000 meals annually through home-delivered meals, group dining, community outreach, home safety modifications, pet meal assistance, and social engagement programs.
Paula Gharizi, North America Brand Director, Defender, said:
“As we celebrate six years of the Defender Service Awards, we remain inspired by the extraordinary work of charitable organizations across North America. Their commitment to uplifting communities and creating lasting impact embodies the spirit of the Defender brand and reinforces our dedication to assisting those who make a difference.”
Christine Winge, President & CEO of Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula, said:
“Being selected as a Defender Service Honoree is an incredible recognition of the compassion, dedication, and resilience of our volunteers, staff, donors, and community. Every day, we deliver far more than meals—we deliver independence, dignity, safety, and hope to neighbors who rely on us to remain healthy and connected.”
“This recognition shines a national spotlight on the importance of Meals on Wheels organizations across North America and the essential role they play in helping older adults age with dignity. We are honored to represent Monterey County and grateful for the opportunity to share our mission with communities everywhere.”
Robert, Home Delivered Meals Client, said:
“When that Meals on Wheels volunteer arrives, they’re bringing more than lunch. They bring kindness, a smile, and the reassurance that someone cares enough to check on me. It helps me stay independent in the home I’ve lived in for decades.”
Maria, Home Delivered Meals Client, said:
“Without Meals on Wheels, I honestly don’t know what I would do. The meals keep me healthy, but it’s the people who keep my spirits up. Seeing a friendly face each day reminds me I’m not alone.”
David Foster, Home Delivered Meals Manager, said:
“Every route we drive represents someone’s lifeline. Whether we’re traveling coastal roads, rural valleys, or neighborhood streets, every delivery is an opportunity to nourish someone, check on their wellbeing, and remind them that their community hasn’t forgotten them. Reliable vehicles are essential to making that promise every single day.”
Public voting opens July 29, with supporters encouraged to vote daily to help Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula earn the top honor. The five organizations receiving the most votes in the Honoree category will each receive a $5,000 grant from Chase, while the overall category winner will receive a customized Defender 130 and a $30,000 grant from S&P Global Mobility to expand its community impact.
For more information and to vote beginning July 29, visit mowmp.com/defender.
About Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula
Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula promotes the health, dignity, and independence of older adults, adults with disabilities, veterans, and underserved neighbors through nutrition and compassionate support. Serving communities throughout Monterey County since 1972, the organization delivers more than 700,000 meals annually through home-delivered meals, group dining, community programs, home safety modifications, and volunteer-driven services that combat hunger and isolation.
About the Defender Service Awards
The Defender Service Awards, presented by Chase, recognize charitable organizations across North America that embody the unstoppable spirit of service. The program celebrates nonprofits making extraordinary contributions to their communities while providing funding and customized Defender vehicles to help expand their impact.
