See details for your state

Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Meals on Wheels

BenefitFood AidRecurringRolling

What it may cover

Varies

Enrollment

Open enrollment

Where available

Check locally

What you get

Meals on Wheels, funded through the Older Americans Act and delivered by a national network of local programs, provides home-delivered nutritious meals to seniors who are unable to shop or prepare their own food, along with regular wellness checks and social interaction to reduce isolation. Services typically include hot daily meals, frozen weekend meals, and specialized dietary options for medical needs. The program serves adults 60 and older and often provides additional services such as grocery assistance, transportation, and home safety checks.

Help paying for groceries and nutrition support, usually through a card, meal program, or local provider.

If you need food this week, ask the local office whether expedited or emergency help is available.

Do you qualify?

Check what applies to you. Your answers are saved on this device so you can come back later.

0/4 confirmed

Are you 60 years of age or older?
Do you have difficulty shopping for or preparing meals independently due to physical limitation, disability, or other need?
Is this available near you?
This program is delivered through local distribution sites. Enter your ZIP code to check availability near you.
Priority given to individuals at greatest nutritional, social, or economic risk — but you can still apply even if you don't fall into those groups.

What to bring

If you do not have one of these, apply anyway and ask what substitutes are accepted.

1Intake application and needs assessment (completed with program coordinator)
2Doctor's referral or medical documentation may be required by some programs
3Proof of age

How to apply

Processing time varies by location and program funding.

1Find the right local officeUse your ZIP code to confirm the local benefits office that handles Meals on Wheels.
2Apply online, by phone, or in personUse the official application path and keep a copy of anything you submit.
3Complete the interview or verificationMany benefits require a short call, appointment, or document check.
4Watch for a decisionKeep mail, email, and phone open so you do not miss follow-up requests.

Find local help

Your ZIP helps you confirm the right local office and state-specific rules.

You may also qualify for

Other programs in the same category that often go hand-in-hand.

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Commodity Supplemental Food Program

Fair Food Network (USDA-supported)

Double Up Food Bucks

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations

See details for your state

Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Meals on Wheels

BenefitFood AidRecurringRolling

What it may cover

Varies

Enrollment

Open enrollment

Where available

Check locally

What you get

Help paying for groceries and nutrition support, usually through a card, meal program, or local provider.

If you need food this week, ask the local office whether expedited or emergency help is available.

Do you qualify?

Check what applies to you. Your answers are saved on this device so you can come back later.

0/4 confirmed

Are you 60 years of age or older?
Do you have difficulty shopping for or preparing meals independently due to physical limitation, disability, or other need?
Is this available near you?
This program is delivered through local distribution sites. Enter your ZIP code to check availability near you.
Priority given to individuals at greatest nutritional, social, or economic risk — but you can still apply even if you don't fall into those groups.

What to bring

If you do not have one of these, apply anyway and ask what substitutes are accepted.

1Intake application and needs assessment (completed with program coordinator)
2Doctor's referral or medical documentation may be required by some programs
3Proof of age

How to apply

Processing time varies by location and program funding.

1Find the right local officeUse your ZIP code to confirm the local benefits office that handles Meals on Wheels.
2Apply online, by phone, or in personUse the official application path and keep a copy of anything you submit.
3Complete the interview or verificationMany benefits require a short call, appointment, or document check.
4Watch for a decisionKeep mail, email, and phone open so you do not miss follow-up requests.

Find local help

Your ZIP helps you confirm the right local office and state-specific rules.

You may also qualify for

Other programs in the same category that often go hand-in-hand.

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Commodity Supplemental Food Program

Fair Food Network (USDA-supported)

Double Up Food Bucks

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations