Frequently Asked Questions about home-delivered meals, commonly referred to as Meals on Wheels.
Home-delivered Nutrition Services provide meals and related nutrition to older individuals who are homebound due to illness, disability, or isolation, as mandated by the Older American’s Act (OAA). The goals of these programs are to help older individuals maintain their independence in their own home. These programs prioritize individuals at the greatest social and economic risk.
These nutritionally balanced meals contain at least one-third of the current recommended dietary guidelines established by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Research Council.
How do I qualify for home-delivered meals?
Home-delivered meals are available to adults over 60 years of age or older who are physically or mentally unable to obtain and prepare meals, who are without support to have meals prepared for them, or are frail, or homebound or otherwise isolated. Such distinctions require documentation to match eligibility requirements.
Spouses of eligible participants in the home-delivery program can also be eligible for home-delivered meals if it is in the best interest of the home-bound participant.
Non-elderly people with disabilities who live in non-institutional households with an eligible participant can also receive home-delivered meals if it is in the best interest of the home-bound participant.
How often will I receive a home-delivered meal?
At minimum, home-delivered nutrition services provide a meal, five (5) or more days a week. Home deliveries may include more than one meal for each day’s consumption if the participant can safely store the meals. These meals may consist of hot, cold, frozen, dried, canned, fresh foods and any supplemental goods for any additional meals.
Meals can only be delivered directly to eligible participants and will not be left outside of the home at the door or otherwise unattended. Meals can be left with a participant's designee, but prior arrangements must be made.
How much do I need to pay for home delivered meals?
No eligible person shall be denied a meal due to their inability to pay. Participants can voluntarily contribute to the service's cost.
How do I sign-up for home-delivered meals?
Eligibility and priority ranking for home-delivered meals require completion of annual screenings that help determine eligibility. These screenings are conducted by the providing agency.
For individuals living in Davidson County, contact the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County-Metro Social Services at (615)880-2292. Additionally, FiftyForward offers home delivered meals throughout Davidson County, confirm service area and eligibility by calling (615)743-3416
For individuals in surrounding counties, contact the Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency (MCHRA) at (615)850-3910.
Participants of TennCare CHOICES or OPTIONS may also be eligible for home delivered meal services based on their care plan. To learn more about each of those programs visit the linked articles.
If I do not qualify for home-delivered meals, what do I qualify for?
There are other options for nutritional services besides home-delivered meals.
Group meals, also known as congregate meals, provide seniors with nutritionally balanced meals and the opportunity to socialize and participate in program activities with other seniors. Visit the article "What are group meals? Can I benefit from them?" for more information.
What does the AAAD have to do with home-delivered meals?
As the Area Agency on Aging and Disability (AAAD), the Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC) contracts home-delivered meal services to receive funding for the services they provide through the Older Americans Act (OAA) and the Tennessee Commission of Aging and Disability (TCAD). The AAAD ensures that each facility develops and implements policies complying with OAA and TCAD funding requirements regarding, but not limited to, fiscal management, food service management, safety and sanitation, and prioritizing populations with the highest economic and social risk.
The AAAD staffs the Information and Assistance hotline with certified counselors who will listen to your needs and concerns to find which services best fit your situation. To speak with a certified counselor on the phone, individuals should call (615)255-1010 or (866)836-6678.
Have more questions? Call Our Helpline
Call our Information and Assistance Hotline to learn more about any of GNRC's programs and services. 615-255-1010 or 866-836-6678