The Council on Aging of Central Oregon provides nutritious meals to older adults who are homebound due to illness, disability, or lack of support. In addition to cooking, packaging, and transporting meals in Bend, Sisters, and La Pine, we also partner with the Redmond Senior Center, Prineville Senior Center Charitable Trust, and Jefferson County Senior Center to ensure that this program is available throughout the region.
Regular meal deliveries provide essential nutrition while supporting independence and allowing individuals to remain in their homes longer. In addition to delivering meals, the program helps combat social isolation by providing regular personal contact and safety checks. It also serves as a vital connection to other home and community-based services that enhance overall well-being.
Who is eligible for Meals on Wheels?
Individuals may qualify if they:
- Are 60 years or older and homebound* due to injury, illness, or disability
- Have limited ability to shop for or prepare meals safely
- Lack family or other support for meal preparation
- Are the spouse or disabled dependent child of an eligible participant if it benefits the homebound individual
- Cannot attend a Community Dining site due to physical or mental health conditions
*Homebound means leaving home is a major effort, and unassisted outings are rare. Acceptable reasons for leaving include medical care, religious services, or other essential activities.
How does the approval process work?
To ensure Meals on Wheels meets the needs of homebound individuals, an eligibility assessment is required:
- Initial Assessment: Conducted in person by a case manager to evaluate the individual’s nutrition risk, health status, and support system.
- Reassessment: Conducted every year to determine if services should continue.
- If an individual no longer qualifies, we will provide information on alternative food assistance programs, including Community Dining and other local resources.
Cost & Donations
Meals on Wheels is provided at no cost to eligible participants. The program is funded in part by the federal government and relies on voluntary contributions from participants and community members to sustain meal deliveries. No one is ever denied service due to an inability to contribute.
