frequently asked questions
Find quick solutions and helpful info.
frequently asked questions
Find quick solutions and helpful info.
Visit our webpage at MOWFNI› to find the location nearest you and reach out to the manager by phone for more information. You can also walk in to any of our locations during business hours (typically 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.).
To visit a Community Cafe, just stop by during business hours and fill out the short application.
To sign up for Home-Delivered Meals, you will need to:
Step 1 — Call the Care Coordination Unit (CCU) that covers your place of residence:
| County | Township | Care Coordination Unit (CCU) | Phone |
| Cook | Maine Township (Arlington Heights) | North Shore Senior Center (Northfield) | (847) 784-6000 |
| Cook | Wheeling Township (Arlington Heights | Catholic Charities Northwest | (847) 253-5500 |
| Cook | Lyons Township (Brookfield) | Aging Care Connections | (708) 354-1323 |
| Cook | Berwyn and Cicero Townships (Brookfield) | Solutions for Care | (708) 447-2448 |
| Cook | Leyden Township (Franklin Park) | Aging Care Connections | (708) 354-1323 |
| Cook | Worth Township (Oak Lawn) | Pathlights | (708) 361-0219 |
| Cook | Lemont Township | Pathlights | (708) 361-0219 |
| Cook | Proviso Township | Solutions for Care | (708) 447-2448 |
| Cook | Calumet Township (Phoenix) | South Suburban Senior Services of Catholic Charities | (708) 596-2222 |
| Cook | Bloom Township (South Chicago Heights) | South Suburban Senior Services of Catholic Charities | (708) 596-2222 |
| Grundy | All Townships | Grundy County Health Department | (815) 941-3404 |
| Kendall | All Townships | Senior Services Associates | (630) 553-5777 |
| Will | All Townships | Will County Seniors | (815) 723-9713 |
Step 2 — Complete a Nutritional Assessment
A friendly Care Coordination Unit representative will work with you one-on-one to complete a simple nutritional assessment at your convenience.
Step 3 — Get Added to a Delivery Route
Once your information is received by our team, you'll be added to a delivery route quickly — and your meals will start coming right to your door!
Meals on Wheels clients in northern Illinois can choose from a variety of meal options, including home-delivered hot fresh meals, café-style dining, dine-in or carry-out meals from local restaurant partners, frozen meals that can be picked up for the week, and emergency / shelf-stable meals twice a year.
All meals meet U.S. federal nutrition guidelines for older adults and are heart-healthy, whole-grain, and low-sodium. We can accommodate a range of dietary needs, such as renal, diabetic, vegetarian, and more.
The primary qualification is age sixty (60) or above for receiving meals from the Community Nutrition Network and Senior Services Association through the Meals on Wheels Foundation of Northern Illinois. We can also serve spouses or caregivers accompanying our clients aged 60 or above.
Disabled individuals residing in older adult care facilities may also be eligible under certain circumstances; please call 312-207-5290 for more information.
Community Nutrition Network and Senior Services Association, with support from the Meals on Wheels Foundation of Northern Illinois, serves meals to adults age 60 or above, and their spouses or caregivers, in the following regions of northern Illinois: Cook County (excluding the city of Chicago), Kendall County, Grundy County, and Will County.
Outside those regions, please find your local Meals on Wheels site by zip code at:
Anyone age 60 or above qualifies for our programs.
To ensure strict food safety and checking on our clients' well-being, we cannot leave meals unattended outside. If a client is not home, our driver will leave a door hanger confirming we stopped by. If you know you will miss a delivery, please call your local site in advance so we can adjust our routing.
There is a small suggested donation per meal. No one is ever turned away if unable or unwilling to donate. Please speak with one of our site managers and they will be happy to assist you with any concerns or questions.
We are occasionally able to provide pet food to older adults enrolled in our Meals on Wheels programs. Please call our office at 312-207-5290 for more information, or speak to your local manager.
This section is designed for social service professionals, case managers, and insurance coordinators looking to connect their clients with nutritional support.
How do I enroll my client?
Visit our webpage at MOWFNI› to find the location nearest you and reach out to the manager by phone for more information. You can also walk in to any of our locations during business hours (typically 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.).
How do I determine if my client is eligible to receive Meals on Wheels?
Eligibility is primarily based on the client’s ability to shop for or prepare their own meals. Generally, individuals are eligible if they are:
- Aged 60 or older (exceptions may apply for younger adults with disabilities depending on the program).
- Homebound due to illness, injury, or physical/cognitive limitations.
- Unable to prepare nutritious meals independently.
What comes in a meal? Can I see a sample menu?
Each delivery provides a complete, nutritionally balanced meal consisting of a protein, a starch, a vegetable, fruit, bread, and milk. Sample Menu here
Are meals dietitian-reviewed?
Yes. All MOWFNI meals are developed and approved by a Registered Dietitian.
How much do meals cost? Is financial assistance available?
Meals are provided free of charge, with a suggested donation. No one is ever turned away for their inability or unwillingness to pay.
Are diabetic and other diet-specific meal options available?
Yes. We offer therapeutic menu modifications to accommodate common health needs, including:
- Diabetic-Friendly: Controlled carbohydrate portions.
- Renal-Friendly: Options with lower potassium and phosphorus levels.
- Mechanical Soft/Pureed: For clients with swallowing or chewing difficulties.
Are culturally specific meals available?
We strive to serve the diverse needs of the clients at our sites. Depending on the specific service area, we offer culturally tailored menus. Please inquire during the intake process regarding current availability.
Clear, step-by-step reheating instructions are included with each delivered meal.
Absolutely! We love seeing new faces. Guests who meet our eligibility criteria (adults 60 and older) can participate under our standard program guidelines, while younger guests are welcome to join for a small guest fee.
Because our nutrition programs are federally funded, a quick standard application is required to verify eligibility and ensure we meet your dietary needs. The initial form only takes about 5 minutes to complete, and our team will guide you through it on your first visit.