Meals on Wheels of RI’s Home-Delivered Meal Program was established in 1969 to help ensure the physical and mental well-being of homebound seniors.
Today, the program remains the only nonprofit meal delivery program of its kind in Rhode Island, serving approximately 1,200 seniors statewide each weekday, from Woonsocket to Westerly.
Program participants receive a complete and nutritious, fully-prepared meal that meets one-third of their recommended daily dietary intake delivered right to their door.
Providing much more than a meal, the Home-Delivered Meal Program also ensures clients’ safety through a daily well-being check and works to lessen their feelings of isolation and loneliness with a friendly visit with one of our drivers.
In 2021, the program served 3,029 individuals and is on track to deliver its 20-millionth meal in early 2022.
Who can receive Meals on Wheels?
To enroll in the Home-Delivered Meal program, applicants must:
- Be age 60 or older OR be under the age of 60 and have an approved waiver-i.e. DHS, PACE, NHPRI
- Be homebound/have difficulty leaving their home independently
- Not be a participant in an adult daycare or dining program on a day they are scheduled to receive meals.
What is the cost for the meals?
Meals on Wheels of RI receives funding from both the federal and state government through funds issued from the Older Americans Act and administered by the R.I. Office of Healthy Aging, but that funding does not cover the entire costs of of the meals and the organization. We ask clients for a suggested donation of $3.00 per meal. Clients will continue to receive meals regardless of your their ability to make a donation.
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.
Sample menu:
Can you accommodate 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. A chopped option is available for those people who are unable to cut their meal. We are unable to offer medically 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 are the meals delivered?
Meals on Wheels of RI delivers meals to homebound individuals statewide by our small team of paid drivers and a network of over 700 volunteers. Meals are delivered between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. each delivery day.
Meals are not delivered on the following holidays and other days, when the Meals on Wheels of RI office is closed:
- New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Presidents Day
- Memorial Day
- Fourth of July
- Victory Day
- Labor Day
- Columbus Day
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving
- Day after Thanksgiving
- Christmas Day
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