What are the eligibility criteria for clients to receive Meals on Wheels?

• 60 years of age or older
• Other individuals 18 or older living full-time in the home may be eligible if it is in the best interest of the home delivered meal-eligible person
• Participant must be homebound, ie normally is unable to leave the home unassisted, and for whom leaving takes considerable and taxing effort. A person may leave home for medical treatment or short, infrequent absences such as a trip to the barber or to attend religious services 
• Unable to prepare meals or obtain food
• Unable to dine at a Senior Luncheon Center
• No person is available who would be able and willing to prepare all meals
• Dietary needs can be appropriately met by the program
• Able to feed himself/herself
• Able to be home when meals are delivered, or contact the Meals on Wheels office when absence is unavoidable
• Able to be available for in-home assessments, to ensure that Meals on Wheels is meeting their needs and to connect them with community resources and to help them be safe, healthy, and independent in their homes

Client Suggested Donations

The actual cost of each meal served averages $8.03 per meal. The suggested contribution for eligible seniors is $4.00 per meal. No one is denied service because of an inability to contribute. All donations are used to purchase additional meals and minimize the necessity for waiting lists.

Methods of Service

Frozen meals are delivered once per week based on clients’ needs and location. These meals are designed to be the main meal of the day.

Short Term Needs

Many people receive Meals on Wheels for a week or two following hospitalization.

Special Diets

All meals are designed to be lower sodium, with the average of 800-1000mg sodium per meal over the course of a week. A few changes can be made for diabetic (sugar-free desserts only, meals are not altered), chopped or pureed, milk (Whole, 2%, Skim or None), no bread or no fruit. Other strict therapeutic diets are not available at the present time.

Menu Pattern

Menus are designed to contain a wide variety of well-balanced nutritious meals. Each meal consists of a protein-rich entree, fruit, vegetables, bread, milk and dessert.

Private Pay option
If individuals do not meet the eligibility requirements and are interested in receiving Meals on Wheels, they may purchase them on a Private Pay basis for $8.00/meal.

How to Arrange for Services:

To inquire about eligibility for Meals on Wheels, please contact our office. Referrals are accepted from any source.

Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties can contact Jennifer Watkins, Amber Wininger, or Lisa Robitshek at: (231) 947-3780 x1 or (800) 632-7334.

Missaukee and Wexford County residents may contact Amanda Mettler at: (231) 775-9781.

The toll-free number for the Senior Nutrition Program throughout the four-county area is:(800) 632-7334