For many people, getting at least one nutritious meal a day can be a challenge. Physical or cognitive disability, illness, and lack of support or transportation are common barriers that prevent many people from preparing food or traveling to a group meal location such as a church or senior center.
To offer access to nutritious meals, Council on Aging (COA) provides home-delivered meals through 1) PASSPORT (Ohio's Medicaid waiver home care program), 2) locally-funded Elderly Services Programs, and 3) the Ohio Home Care Waiver program (Ohio Medicaid waiver program for people under age 60). Each year, COA provides more than 2 million meals to approximately 10,000 homebound older adults in Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton and Warren counties.
Eligibility
Eligibility for home-delivered meals is determined by nutritional need and criteria are derived from funding sources. To qualify for home-delivered meals, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- age 60 or older (except for the Ohio Home Care Waiver where there is no age criterion)
- unable to prepare your own meals
- unable to participate in a congregate nutrition program because of physical or emotional difficulties
- lack another meal support service in the home or community
Home-delivered meals may also be provided to the spouse of an eligible person, who lives in the home of the eligible person, regardless of the spouse's age or abilities. This is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Meals are prepared by one of our quality meal providers and delivered directly to your door by a friendly volunteer or staff person. Delivered meals can be hot, chilled or frozen and can be prepared to meet special dietary needs (diabetic, dietary restrictions, etc.).
Cost
Home-delivered meals through Council on Aging are free of charge. However, our funding does not cover the full cost of preparing and delivering meals. Donations allow us to reach out to more people and help with the costs for preparation and delivery. Donations of any size are accepted and appreciated. Your meal provider will explain how you may make a donation.
How to Enroll
For information about receiving home-delivered meals, call:
Butler: (513) 868-9281
Clermont: (513) 724-1255
Clinton and Hamilton: (513) 721-1025 or (800) 252-0155
Warren: (513) 695-2271