You Don't Have to Carry the Burden Alone

According to a regional survey of local families, 51.5% of family caregivers report high levels of stress and severe financial strain while caring for an aging loved one. Delivering daily, nutritious meals is one simple way Meals on Wheels for Northern Illinois helps lighten the load—giving you peace of mind while ensuring your loved one receives healthy food and daily wellness checks.

Support for Caregivers: We’re Here for Your Family, Too

Many people find themselves in the rewarding yet demanding role of caregiving for aging parents, family members, or friends.

As they navigate this complex family care, they are actively seeking reliable support systems to help them.

Meals on Wheels is a trusted partner for caregivers. By connecting your loved one to our program, you ensure they receive:

Reliable, Nutritious Meals: Takes the stress of daily meal preparation off your plate.
Community Connection: Located across suburban Cook, Will, Kendall, and Grundy counties, our Community Cafés serve as sites for older adult health and community connection.
Wellness Checks: Our drivers provide "eyes and ears" on your loved one when you can't be there, giving you peace of mind.

Next Step: See if your family member qualifies for MOWFNI services.

Learn More

You Don't Have to Carry the Burden Alone

According to a 2025 regional survey from AgeGuide of Illinois families, 51.5% of family caregivers report high levels of stress and severe financial strain while caring for an aging loved one.

Additionally, a major demographic shift is underway. Recent metrics from the U.S. Census Bureau and caregiving research from AARP show that older adults now outnumber children under 18 in a growing number of U.S. communities.

National research from the AARP Caregiving in the U.S. 2025 series shows that the pressure is even higher for the Sandwich Generation—the 1 in 4 caregivers balancing care for an aging parent alongside raising children or working full-time:

Over 54% report high levels of emotional burnout.
67% report a work disruption due to caregiving.
Average 27 hours of care weekly but handle significantly more complex daily and household management tasks (meal preparation, housework, transportation, and shopping) than non-Sandwich caregivers.

Delivering daily, nutritious meals is one simple way Meals on Wheels for Northern Illinois helps lighten the load—giving you peace of mind while ensuring your loved one receives healthy food and wellness checks.

Supporting Older Adults, Strengthening Communities

Whether you prefer nutritious meals delivered right to your door or the company of our Community Cafés, Meals on Wheels for Northern Illinois is here to help you stay healthy, connected, and independent.

We deliver hot, fresh meals directly to seniors five days a week, and we also host community dining at various convenient local venues for adults aged 60 and up, their spouses, and eligible individuals with disabilities.

Suggested donations are appreciated; all are welcome regardless of ability to contribute.

Please follow the instructions below to learn more about how to get started.

MOWFNI serves older adults residing in suburban Cook County (excluding Chicago city limits), Will County, Kendall County, and Grundy County.

Suburban Cook County Residents: Intake for community meals begins with your local Care Coordination Unit. Use the AgeOptions Neighborhood Service Finder to find the designated agency for your loved one's town.
Will, Kendall, & Grundy County Residents: Connect directly with a regional intake coordinator or your local county senior service agency through our directory.
Chicago Residents: If your loved one lives within the City of Chicago, please reach out to Meals on Wheels Chicago or the City of Chicago Department of Public Health for service.

Learn More About Us

$50 = Meals & Wellness Checks for a Week

Become a Donor

Your support ensures that older adults and individuals with disabilities receive the nutritious meals they need to stay healthy and independent. Every gift helps us grow and sustain our programs across Cook, Kendall, Grundy, and Will Counties. Together, we can make sure that no older adult goes hungry.

Donate

Become a Social Media Advocate

As a public radio listener, you understand the power of a shared story. On social media, you can help us tell the story of hunger, isolation, and independence in Illinois.

Follow MOWFNI on social media and share our posts about volunteer opportunities, client stories, and the impact of our meals. A simple share can reach hundreds of new potential volunteers and clients in need of meals.

Funds, in whole or in part, for this publication were provided through AgeOptions or Age Guide of Northeastern Illinois under Title Ill of the Older Americans Act as administered through the Illinois Department on Aging and the Federal Administration on Aging.

Meals on Wheels for Northern Illinois does not discriminate in admission to programs or activities or treatment of employment in programs or activities in compliance with the Illinois Human Rights Act; the U.S. Civil Rights Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act; the Age Discrimination Act; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act; and the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions. If you feel you have been discriminated against, you have a right to file a complaint, dial 1-800-252-8966 (Voice and TDD), or contact the Director of Personnel (312) 207-5290.