The Home-Delivered Meal Program began in 1969 and is the only nonprofit meal delivery program serving the entire state of Rhode Island. This program provides a lunch-time meal five times per week to approximately 1,200 qualified individuals. The meals are delivered primarily by our dedicated team of volunteers.
To speak with someone about our home-delivered services or for more information regarding this program, please call our Home- Delivered Department at (401) 351-6700 or email info@rimeals.org
Who can receive Meals on Wheels?
There are four basic requirements that need to be met in order to be considered for the program.
- The person must be 60 years of age or older. If under the age of 60, an approved waiver is required through eligible waiver programs (DHS, PACE, NHPRI).
- The person must be unable to prepare nutritious meals due to physical and/or psychological limitations.
- The person cannot participate in an adult day care, or dining program on a day they are scheduled to receive meals.
- The person must be homebound and unable to leave their home independently and/or have limited assistance leaving the home. There may be circumstances that allow us to serve those people who need services but do not meet all of the eligibility requirements. In each case, a referral is required. The referral may be submitted on-line at www.rimeals.org or by calling the main office at (401) 351-6700. All information listed on the referral form must be completed. The more information that is given, the better understanding we have regarding the recipient’s limitations and condition. Information received is kept strictly confidential.
Who should call in the referral for Meals on Wheels?
We accept information from a wide variety of sources. Family members and friends are the most frequent callers. Discharge planners, social workers, doctors, nurses, home health aides and neighbors are all typical individuals submitting referrals.
What is the cost for the meals?
Meals on Wheels of RI receives funding from both the federal and state government through the R.I. Office of Healthy Aging, but we do rely heavily on donations from meal recipients and private donors. Our suggested donation is $3.00 per meal. You will continue to receive meals regardless of your ability to make a donation.Donations are typically collected on Fridays. Checks, cash and money orders are acceptable methods of payment. Checks should be made payable to Meals on Wheels of RI, Inc. Donations may also be mailed to the following address.
Meals on Wheels of RI, Inc.
70 Bath St.
Providence, RI 02908
We also work closely with the R.I. Department of Human Services in providing services to clients on the waiver programs. Recipients qualified through the waiver program are not asked to donate. If you think you might be eligible for the waiver program, please contact your social worker or the Department of Human Services.
What does a meal include?
The meal will arrive in two parts. The main portion of the meal is delivered in a two or three-compartment tray which can be safely heated in a microwave or conventional oven (not a toaster oven). This tray consists of a main entrée, potatoes, rice or pasta, and a vegetable. The second portion of the meal, which we call the cold pack, includes milk or juice, bread, dessert and/or condiments. The meals are prepared with no added salt or sugar and are not heavily seasoned.
A sample menu for a day would be:
- Meatloaf with gravy
- Mashed Potatoes
- Green Beans
- Gelatin (diet dessert is available upon request)
- 1% milk (can be substituted for juice or whole milk)
- Bread
Do you provide special diets?
We do provide some special diets. There are certain areas of Providence, Pawtucket, Cranston and Warwick where we may be able to provide Kosher meals. Substitutions are made for diabetics where desserts are concerned. We are also able to make some substitutions for the main entree. A chopped option is available for those people who are unable to cut-up their meal. We are unable to offer therapeutic meals at this time (e.g., salt free, diverticulitis, lactose free, low cholesterol or fat free). A monthly menu is provided. For current menus, click on the “MENUS” link below.
How will the meal be delivered?
Meals on Wheels of RI delivers meals to homebound individuals statewide. Most routes are delivered by volunteers utilizing their own vehicles. In several communities there are paid drivers who deliver meals utilizing a Meals on Wheels of RI vehicle. Meals are delivered between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. each delivery day, weather and unforeseen circumstances permitting.
The agency is closed for the following holidays:
- New Years Day
- Martin Luther King Day
- Presidents Day
- Memorial Day
- Fourth of July
- Victory Day
- Labor Day
- Columbus Day
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving
- Day after Thanksgiving
- Christmas
Can I tip my delivery person?
We ask that you please do not tip the delivery person with money. They will gladly accept food or drink.
