Frequently Asked Questions

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Am I eligible for Meals On Wheels?
To be eligible for our home delivered meals program, you must be 60 years of age or older, reside in San Francisco, and have a chronic disability that prevents you from shopping for food and/or preparing meals to meet your daily nutritional needs.

What kind of meal service do you provide?
We deliver two nutritious meals seven days a week including holidays to your home.  Depending on your particular needs, there are variety of delivery options available.

How do I apply for Meals On Wheels?
You, a family member, or a caregiver may apply by telephone. Call our office at (415) 920-1111 and ask to be connected to our “Intake Line.” The intake line is a voicemail message where you can leave your name and telephone number, and one of our staff will call you back. We will ask you information such as name, address, phone number, health status, etc. Certain information is required by the state of California, and all application information is kept confidential.

How long does it take to get on the meal service?
We do have a waiting list which fluctuates week by week. The waiting period can be up to several months, depending on where in the city you live and how many people are waiting in that area. We continue to do our best to keep the waiting list at a minimum, and our goal is to ensure that no senior waits longer than 30 days to begin service.

I have a medical condition that requires a special diet, can you accommodate me?
We provide four (4) types of diets:

1 – Regular “No added salt”
2 – Low sodium
3 – Diabetic
4 – Mechanically softened diet (not pureed)

All entrees provide a wide selection of beef, chicken, pork, fish and pasta dishes. All diets are designed by Registered Dietitians and meet 2/3 of Required Daily Allowances.

What is the cost?
The suggested contribution is $35 a week for 7 days of food (two meals per day). However, no one is denied service for financial reasons. Please contact a Meals On Wheels representative to discuss any special consideration you may have.

Do I have to live alone to receive Meals On Wheels?
We do focus our services on those seniors in San Francisco who are isolated with little family or outside help. However, in certain cases we can accommodate seniors who live with someone but are alone during the day, or who aren’t getting much help from their roommates.

I have difficulty carrying things. Can the drivers bring my meals inside?
Our drivers are ready, willing and able to bring your meals into the kitchen, leave them on a table, or put them into your refrigerator, whichever is most helpful to you. Or you can accept them right at the door.

Can the drivers leave my meals if I have to go out?
No. Part of our mission is to see each of our clients for each delivery. We want to confirm that they are safe on a day to day basis. We also do not want to risk food borne illness by leaving meals out without knowing when they will be refrigerated or consumed. We can accommodate arrangements to leave meals with a neighbor, or to deliver an “extra” meal the previous day if you notify our office of a doctor’s appointment, etc.

Can I suspend service for a couple days without being cancelled from the program?
Yes. We request notice one day in advance to cancel or resume the meal service. A person may suspend service for up to 30 days without being cancelled from the program, but for longer periods you will have to re-apply to begin the service again. Extenuating circumstances include extended hospital or convalescent stays.

Is Meals On Wheels only for a limited time?
You can remain on the program as long as there are no changes in your eligibility. Clients are regularly re-evaluated for continued eligibility. Our goal is to ensure our clients can remain independent in their homes for as long as safely possible.