TASTE 2026 Celebrates Five Years of Impact for Meals On Wheels Atlanta
Photo credit: Kimberly Evans
Meals On Wheels Atlanta marked a major milestone on May 29, 2026, with the fifth anniversary of TASTE, the nonprofit's signature culinary fundraiser that has grown into one of Atlanta's premier food and philanthropy events. Bringing together the city's food, hospitality and creative communities, TASTE 2026 welcomed more than 500 guests and raised more than $174,000 to support local seniors.
Hosted at 1705WEST, the evening showcased Atlanta's vibrant culinary scene while raising critical funds to provide nutritious meals, wellness checks and meaningful social connection for seniors across metro Atlanta.
Building on the momentum of previous years, this year’s event embraced the theme “Unbridled Flavor. Unmatched Impact.” Inspired by the Year of the Horse, the immersive experience transformed 1705WEST into a vibrant celebration of food, culture and community service.
Guests enjoyed bites and beverages from some of Atlanta’s top chefs and restaurants, including Auburn Angel, Blended Smoothie and Juice Bar, Canoe, Chef Shawn Osbey Catering, Fireside Jamaican Restaurant, Kamayan ATL, NaanStop, Nana’s Chicken and Waffles, Sweet Basil Cakes, The Dining Experience Restaurant, The Foodie’s Place by AV Gourmet and other local favorites. The evening also featured immersive activations, live entertainment and exclusive experiences that showcased the creativity and generosity of Atlanta's culinary community.
TASTE 2026 also recognized a distinguished group of Tastemakers from across food, media, business and culture who served as ambassadors for the event and Meals On Wheels Atlanta's mission.
Notable attendees and participants included host Tanya Sam; performer Akeem Ali; Tastemaker Imani Ellis, founder and CEO of The Creative Collective NYC and CultureCon; and presenters Marlo Hampton, Shamea Morton Mwangi, Kelli Potter and Jasmine Monroe. A highlight of the evening came when Sen. Rashaun Kemp presented a proclamation honoring Brandon Jenkins, creator of TASTE and creative director of Meals On Wheels Atlanta, for his leadership, community service and vision in creating an event that has become a powerful force in supporting Atlanta seniors.
“In its fifth year, TASTE continues to show what’s possible when Atlanta’s culinary and creative communities come together for a purpose bigger than themselves,” said Jenkins. “Every conversation, every ticket and every partnership helps fuel critical services for seniors across our city, and it’s inspiring to see this event continue to grow in both impact and community support.”
Proceeds from TASTE 2026 help Meals On Wheels Atlanta continue serving thousands of seniors while addressing the organization's growing waitlist and expanding need throughout the city. Funds raised support meal delivery services, wellness checks, emergency food assistance and other programs designed to help seniors remain safe, nourished and connected in their homes.
As Meals On Wheels Atlanta celebrated five years of TASTE, the event's continued growth reflects a shared commitment from Atlanta's culinary, business and creative communities to ensure seniors receive the nourishment, care and connection they deserve
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.