Our Services

Meals on Wheels of Durham delivers a nutritious meal, a safety check and a smile that serves as a lifeline to seniors of limited mobility. This combination goes well beyond fighting the battle against hunger that threatens one in six of America’s seniors – it provides the support and peace of mind that enable them to remain safely and securely in their own homes as they continue to age. Enabling seniors to stay in their own homes means they remain happier, extend their independence and can stay connected to the communities and surroundings that provide them comfort. The powerful side effect of this result is that it means seniors can stay out of expensive nursing facilities and hospitals.

ELIGIBILITY

Our services are available to any resident of Durham County who is homebound as the result of age, disability, or illness. Most recipients of meals live alone and are elderly, handicapped, malnourished, or otherwise unable to prepare food for themselves. People of all incomes and ages may be eligible for meals. Meals on Wheels Durham does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or national origin. 

Applying for Services

For more information about qualifications for meals and the cost of Meals on Wheels Durham services, please check out our Frequently Asked Questions.  To apply, please complete and submit one of the Application for Services forms linked below and we will contact you.
 
 
Application for Services (printable)*: Please download, print, complete and mail or fax the printable form. You can also drop it off at the office. Our contact information is located below and at the top of the page, under Contact Us.
 
* Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader, available for free here.

About Our Meals

Our volunteers deliver meals five days a week between 9:30 am and 1 pm. All clients have a choice to receive a once-per-week frozen meal box that contains multiple microwavable meals, or receive a daily hot meal Monday to Friday.
 
The nutritious, low-fat meals each contain 1/3 of the minimum daily nutritional requirements for senior adults. Each meal includes the following:
  • One serving of lean protein (beef, chicken, pork)
  • Two servings of complex carbohydrates (usually 1 bread and 1 starch)
  • Two servings of either a fruit or a vegetable
  • Eight ounces of milk

Nutritionally, each meal has:

  • At least 700 calories
  • Less than 1,300 mg of sodium
  • Less than 30% of its calories from fat

Meal Programs

Cost-Free Meals

  • 5 meals per week—hot or frozen. More meals can be requested based on need.
  • Meals are funded by the Durham Department of Social Service and is no extra cost for the client.
  • Eligibility: Anyone who is homebound as the result of age, disability, or illness.
  • Up to 1-year waitlist

Emergency Meal Program

  • 2 weeks of donor-funded meals (10 meals)
  • Free to the recipient — would require a referral from discharge facility or note from medical doctor
  • Eligibility: Anyone returning home following a post-hospital/ post-rehab discharge

Private Pay

  • 5 meals per week—hot or frozen. More meals can be requested based on need.
  • $5 per meal ($3.80 per meal for clients who recieve SNAP benefits)
  • Eligibility: Anyone who desires to purchase an home-delivered meal through Meals on Wheels
  • No waitlist

CAP/DA

  • 5 meals per week — hot or frozen. More meals can be requested based on need.
  • Eligibility: Disabled adults 18+ years old who meet CAP/DA requirements. Must be referred by a referral agency.
  • No waitlist

Special Programs

Meals on Wheels of Durham partners with a variety of organizations to offer additional services for our clients. When available, we provide the following:

  • Electric fans
  • Pet food
  • Books
  • Toiletries
  • Warm clothing
  • Birthday cards and small gifts
  • Holiday gifts, centerpieces and ornaments
  • Valentine's Day cards
  • Thanksgiving Dinner
  • Holiday Dinner
  • Placemats
  • Information on a variety of agencies offering help and assistance to the elderly
  • Monthly educational pieces for clients on health and nutrition
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