Meals On Wheels Atlanta Celebrates Fifth Anniversary of TASTE with 2026 Event
Meals On Wheels Atlanta invites the community to celebrate a milestone year at TASTE 2026, marking the fifth anniversary of its signature culinary event. The highly anticipated evening brings together Atlanta’s most exciting chefs, restaurants and cultural influencers for a dynamic night of food, entertainment and purpose, all in support of the organization’s mission to end senior hunger and isolation.
Building on last year’s success, which welcomed more than 500 attendees and raised more than $160,000, TASTE 2026 returns with a bold new theme, “Unbridled Flavor. Unmatched Impact.” Inspired by the Year of the Horse, a symbol of strength, service and forward motion, the event is designed as a fully immersive experience from arrival to departure.
Hosted at 1705WEST, TASTE 2026 will feature a standout lineup of local restaurants, chef-driven pop-ups and curated culinary experiences, along with signature cocktails, immersive brand activations, exclusive auction packages and live entertainment.
“This year’s TASTE is especially meaningful as we celebrate five years of bringing Atlanta’s culinary community together to support our seniors,” said Charlene Crusoe-Ingram, CEO of Meals On Wheels Atlanta. “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.”
“In its fifth year, TASTE represents real momentum, not just for our mission but in how we engage a new generation of donors,” said Brandon Jenkins, TASTE creator and creative director of Meals On Wheels Atlanta. “It brings together chefs, food lovers and creators in a way that meets people where they are and invites them into something bigger than themselves, all in service of Atlanta’s seniors.”
Photo credit: Kimberly Evans
The 2026 event will spotlight a diverse group of Atlanta Tastemakers, leaders and influencers across media, business, technology, food and culture who serve as ambassadors for the cause.
This year’s honorees include:
Andre Melchionda - Arrivato Imports
Arianna Callan - ALCÔVE AESTHETICS
Breanne Edwards - Mercedes-Benz USA
Dr. Michael Thomas, Jr. - Marietta Smile Gallery
Faith Jessie - NBC Atlanta/11Alive
Helen Zhang - ALCÔVE AESTHETICS
Imani Ellis - The Creative Collective NYC and CultureCon
Jessica Berry - Google
Katelyn “KP” Perna
Lily Leebern - Georgia Crown Distributing Company
Tailor Payton - Cultural Tastemaker & Creator (Hungry Homegirl)
Taylor Carter - AMB Sports and Entertainment
Taylor Edwards - Atlanta Unbound Academy
Guests will enjoy bites from a curated selection of participating restaurants and chefs, including:
Auburn Angel
Blended Smoothie & Juice Bar
Canoe
Chef Shawn Osbey Catering
Fireside Jamaican Restaurant
Kamayan ATL
Lazy Betty
NaanStop
Nana’s Chicken and Waffles
Sweet Basil Cakes
The Dining Experience Restaurant
AV Gourmet
… and more to come!
Proceeds from TASTE 2026 will directly support Meals On Wheels Atlanta’s programs, which provide nutritious meals, safety checks and critical social connection to thousands of seniors across the metro area. With a growing waitlist, funds raised are essential to ensuring no senior in Atlanta goes hungry.
Tickets will be available for purchase online. Additional event details, including date and programming, will be announced soon.
ABOUT MEALS ON WHEELS ATLANTA
Meals On Wheels Atlanta (MOWA) was founded in 1965 to support seniors struggling with hunger and social isolation. For over 60 years, MOWA has grown from a small soup kitchen to an organization that has delivered over six million lifesaving meals throughout the Atlanta area.
MOWA has expanded its program offerings to respond to other critical needs in the community. The nonprofit now offers multiple services to support Atlanta seniors, including personalized and therapeutic home-delivered and family-style meals, home repair services, an emergency food pantry and a pet pantry allowing seniors to remain at home with their pets, which are sometimes the only family they have.
Since MOWA raises 97% of its funding from private donations each year, the nonprofit has expanded fundraising efforts to include social enterprises 1705WEST, Atlanta’s Premier Event Space with a Purpose; and Purposeful Gourmet Foods, The Snack that Gives Back! All proceeds from both efforts benefit MOWA’s meals program.