Eligibility

“I am unable cook meals on my own. I am on a wheelchair. Meals on Wheels helps me get a hot meal each day. It helps me to be able to stay independent and in my home. I look forward to seeing them and would miss Meals on Wheels if they did not come”
Shirley, 82

Meals on Wheels provides daily, home-delivered meals to our homebound neighbors in Lehigh County who cannot prepare nutritious meals for themselves and do not live with someone who can provide balanced meals on a regular basis. These neighbors include seniors and individuals with disabilities who need our meals to support their health and independence on a long-term basis, as well as adults with temporary needs (such as recuperation from surgery or a hospital stay).

Eligibility is determined by need, not income. The following are general eligibility guidelines:

  1. Over the age of 18
  2. Homebound* and unable to meet basic nutritional needs** either temporarily or permanently
  3. Have no other reliable means of obtaining daily meals
  4. Reside in our service area (all of Lehigh County except the West Bethlehem 18018 zip code that falls in Lehigh County)
*Definition of “homebound”: Unable to leave the home without considerable difficulty and/or assistance. A person may leave home for medical treatment or short, infrequent absences for non-medical reasons, such as a trip to the barber or religious services.
**Definition of “unable to meet basic nutritional needs”: Unable to prepare/have difficulty preparing at least one nutritious meal daily because of physical or mental limitations, or unable to obtain/have difficulty obtaining necessary food.

Other household members who may be eligible:

  1. Spouse or partner caregiver who is caring for the homebound individual.