Kim Olson Appointed as New Director of Advocacy at SOS Meals on Wheels
New role at SOS to focus on building relationships with local, state, and federal government
San Leandro, CA— SOS Meals on Wheels is thrilled to announce Kim Olson's appointment as the new and first Director of Advocacy. With a distinguished public policy and community advocacy background, Kim will lead efforts to advance the organization’s policy priorities at the local, state, and federal levels.
Kim joins SOS Meals on Wheels after an impactful tenure at Oregon Food Bank (OFB), where she spearheaded government relations and advocacy efforts that mobilized over $55 million in funding. Kim’s strategic leadership helped secure long-term legislative support, enhancing the emergency food network’s capacity to eliminate hunger and its root causes.
“I am thrilled for this opportunity to amplify the voices of the folks we serve to decision makers,” said Kim Olson. “I look forward to championing health and well-being for seniors in the East Bay. The East Bay has been a national food and healthcare policy leader and has proven that this is where the hard work of supporting isolated seniors gets done.”
Olson’s experience navigating complex policy landscapes will be invaluable. SOS Meals on Wheels continues to expand its service area up and down the 880/80 corridor in the East Bay and seeks to meet the exploding need for meals among homebound seniors through new public and private funding sources and new volunteers.
Executive Director of SOS Meals on Wheels, Charlie Deterline, shared his enthusiasm for Kim’s arrival: “We are at a pivotal moment where the need for our services has never been greater. Local, state, and federal governments are key partners in our mission to serve the growing number of homebound seniors who rely on us. Kim’s expertise in public policy and her passion for community advocacy make her the perfect leader to guide our advocacy efforts and strengthen these critical partnerships.”
Deterline added, “Seniors in California are the fastest-growing demographic impacted by food insecurity. The need is crushing, and organizations like SOS Meals on Wheels and leaders like Kim Olson are critical in building the partnerships necessary to meet this challenge head-on. Her leadership will ensure that we can continue to expand our reach and provide vital support to those who need it most.”
Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Kim moved to the East Bay in 2022, where she now resides with her wife and their yellow Labrador, exploring all the Bay Area offers. Her personal experiences and commitment to social change drive her to make a difference in the community. She is a proud graduate of EMERGE Oregon and holds a personal goal of running a half-marathon in every state.
Kim’s commitment to social change and her experience building impactful advocacy programs align perfectly with the mission of SOS Meals on Wheels. Her leadership will be instrumental in advancing our efforts to ensure that no senior in our community goes hungry.
Olson added, “This is an amazing opportunity to change lives, mobilize a volunteer network, and innovate new ways to serve.”