Meals on Wheels delivers food on a donation-only basis to persons living in Whatcom or San Juan counties. Homebound seniors and their spouses, unpaid caregivers and disabled dependents are eligible to receive seven nutritionally balanced meals per week.
The organization provides more than 2,000 seniors throughout Whatcom and San Juan counties with more than 200,000 nutritious meals each year.
To enroll yourself (or someone else) in the Whatcom County Meals on Wheels program, follow these steps:
Contact Meals on Wheels: Reach out to the organization to express your interest in receiving meals. You can contact Meals on Wheels through its website or via telephone (360-746-6480). As an alternative, individuals or their designated representatives may fill out an online form at https://whatcomcoa.org/request-meals/.
Provide necessary information: When you contact Whatcom County Meals on Wheels, the organization will ask for some information to determine your eligibility and to set up your meal delivery. Be prepared to provide details such as your name, address, phone number, age, dietary restrictions or allergies, and the reasons for needing home-delivered meals.
Eligibility assessment: The organization has specific eligibility criteria for home-delivered meals. It prioritizes seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those who are unable to prepare meals for themselves due to health issues.
Delivery schedule and meal selection: Once you have been approved for the program, you will be informed about the delivery schedule. Meals are delivered on Tuesday or Thursday, and you may receive multiple meals at once for the week. You also have the opportunity to choose meal options based on your dietary needs. You may select from a menu of more than 30 meals. Meals can be heated in the microwave or in a conventional oven, and they are designed to meet at least a third of the nutritional requirements of older adults. Meals on Wheels meals are also low in fat, cholesterol, sodium and spices and are suitable for use in a diabetic meal plan.
Enjoy your meals: Once the meal delivery begins, you will start receiving nutritious meals at your designated address. Meals on Wheels programs typically offer a variety of healthy and balanced meal options, including main courses, sides and sometimes desserts. Enjoy the meals and benefit from the convenience and support provided by the program. A Meals on Wheels assessor will make an appointment to visit you after you have received your first order to discuss the meals and other services.
In addition to Meals on Wheels, community and to-go meals are available at various sites throughout the region. The program is open to those who are 60 or older and their spouses, domestic partners, unpaid caregivers and disable dependents. Suggested donations are $5 per meal or whatever is affordable.
Meals on Wheels is a program of the nonprofit Whatcom Council on Aging.