Food
Meals on Wheels and senior meals
The federal Senior Nutrition Program pays for meals brought to your home and for group meals at senior centers and other places in your community. It's for people 60 and older and their spouses, with no income test. You may be asked for a donation, but you can't be turned away for not giving one.
Who may qualify
| Age | 60 or older |
|---|---|
| Income or savings limit | None. Programs may not use your income, savings or other resources to deny or limit meals Source: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (National Archives) (source 2) |
| Spouses | A spouse of any age can get meals too |
| People with disabilities | May get meals if they live at home with someone 60 or older, or in housing mainly for older adults where group meals are served Source: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (National Archives) (source 2) |
| Local rules | States and local agencies may add rules, such as an assessment of your need, limits on how many people they can serve, or the area they cover Source: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (National Archives) (source 2) |
What you may get
| Home-delivered meals | Meals brought to your door by staff or volunteers, with a regular wellness check |
|---|---|
| Group meals | Meals with others at senior centers, faith-based sites, restaurants and other community places |
| What it costs | No charge. You're offered the chance to give a voluntary, private donation Source: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (National Archives) (source 2) |
| Each meal | Follows the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and gives at least one-third of the nutrients you need in a day |
| Other help | Nutrition screening, education and counseling, and links to services like rides, home health care and home modifications |
Good to know
- To find meals near you, call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or visit eldercare.acl.gov. It connects you with your local Area Agency on Aging.
- These meals aren't an entitlement. Local programs may limit how many people they serve, so ask whether there's a waiting list.
- Programs may suggest a donation based on what the meal costs. They're told to encourage donations from people with incomes at or above 185% of the poverty level, and to keep whether you give, and how much, private.
- States can shape the program to fit their communities, and about 5,000 local providers serve the meals, so what's offered varies by area.
Sources: Administration for Community Living (source 3), Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (National Archives) (source 2)
What people get wrong
MythMy income is too high for Meals on Wheels.
Not true. Federally funded senior meal programs can't use your income or savings to turn you away or limit your meals.
MythI'd have to pay for the meals, and I can't afford it.
Not true. Programs can't charge for meals. You may be asked for a donation, but no one can be refused meals because they won't or can't give.
Sources
- Administration for Community Living, Nutrition Services (Senior Nutrition Program) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (National Archives), 45 CFR Part 1321: Grants to State and Community Programs on Aging (sections 1321.3, 1321.9 and 1321.81) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- Administration for Community Living, Eldercare Locator (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
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