COVID-19 relief meals available to those 50+

Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, Twin Cities Meals on Wheels programs have been committed to providing meals to everyone in need regardless of their ability to pay. Together, we look forward to continuing doing so into 2021.

We’ve slightly changed our eligibility guidelines as of Jan. 1, 2021, for new recipients enrolling for Meals on Wheels at no cost due to hardship caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Now, any individual age 50 or older who faces difficulty in getting food is eligible to receive up to 7 meals per week at no cost. Those who were receiving COVID-19 relief meals prior to Jan. 1 will still be able to receive meals at no cost.

These COVID-19 relief funding guidelines will continue through March 31 and are subject to change should additional government aid become available. The COVID-19 relief program provides meals to individuals who are unable to pay full price for meals and do not qualify for other government programs that assist with the cost of home-delivered meals. There are no age or income requirements to sign up for Meals on Wheels – these programs simply help cover the cost of meals for those unable to pay full price.

Throughout the fall, Twin Cities programs were able to offer up to 21 meals per week to anyone 18+ thanks to one-time funding from federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which expired at the end of 2020. We are able to continue serving COVID-19 relief meals through the generosity of individual donors and foundational support with these new guidelines.

If you or someone you know could benefit from Meals on Wheels, please sign up here to begin service or give us a call at 612-623-3363.

Additional hunger relief resources

Those struggling with food insecurity can call the Minnesota Food HelpLine at 1-888-711-1151. You can also learn more about other hunger relief efforts during the pandemic here.