Meals On Wheels

Meals on Wheels serves individuals who are unable to prepare their own food because of physical limitations. A home visit is required to determine eligibility, and if found eligible, arrangements are made to have meals delivered to their home. Eligibility criteria are specified in law. Berks County aims to serve everyone in need of home delivered meals.

The meals are packed in our six centers, to help save time, money, and other valuable resources. Our centers also provide congregate meals to seniors who are not homebound, yet unable to prepare their own meal. Seniors enjoy hot nutritious meals while in a social environment.

Eligibility Guidelines for Meals on Wheels

There are conditions of need and requirements for service to be eligible to participate in the Meals on Wheels program. For example, consumers applying for the Meals on Wheels program must be 60 or older and must be homebound by illness, handicap and/or functional disability meeting additional guidelines. Please click here to view the complete list of guidelines.

Food For Thought

• It has been estimated that up to 55% of seniors admitted to hospitals are suffering from malnutrition.
• Good nutrition is an important factor in maintaining a healthy immune system.
• Staying properly hydrated flushes toxins from your body, relieves constipation, and helps keep your joints flexible and your mind clear.
• The idea of supplying meals to those in need came from Great Britain during WWII, when many Britons lost their homes and subsequently their ability to cook for themselves. Following the war the U.S. began its own experimental meal program for those in need. What was a small program has now grown into almost 700 home deliveries and 800 volunteers who deliver in Berks County.