Eligibility for Home Delivered Meals
Persons age 60 and over are eligible to receive home delivered meals if they:
- Are homebound due to accident, illness or frailty,
- Lack adequate support of family friends or neighbors, and
- Are unable to prepare meals because of any one of the following:
- lack of facilities such as refrigeration, stove, etc.
- inability to shop and cook for self
- inability to safely prepare meals
- lack of knowledge and skills in meal preparation
Persons under age 60, meeting the criteria above, are eligible to receive home delivered meals according to the following:
- By purchasing the meals (self-pay) at the current cost (see below)
- Through prior authorization from a participating insurance
Non-elderly disabled individuals, who reside in a non-institutional household with an over-60 person who is eligible to receive home delivered meals, may also receive this service when it is in the best interest of the eligible over-60 person.
The spouse of an eligible person, regardless of age or condition, is eligible to receive home delivered meals when it is in the best interest of the eligible person.
2024 Meal Cost
- Hot meal $10
- Frozen weekend meal $7.80
- Supplemental cold sandwich meal $1.80
- Blizzard Bag $40 (4 shelf-stable meals, to be used on days when drivers are unable to deliver due to poor weather conditions)
Clients not utilizing self-pay or insurance are invited to contribute to all or a portion of their meal costs to the extent they are able. This is completely voluntary. When it is not a hardship, client contributions are welcomed and help Foodnet to continue to serve all eligible persons in our community without a waiting list. No one is turned away due to inability to contribute.
April 2024 Meals and Sandwich Menus (click to download)
Individual Meal Plans
Adequate nutrition is essential for healthy aging, the prevention or delay of chronic disease and disease-related disabilities, and for improved quality of life. Almost 90% of older adults have a nutrition-related chronic disease or condition. About 40% of community dwelling older adults have inadequate food and nutrient intake, which affects their health and ability to function independently. Foodnet Meals on Wheels offers a variety of meal delivery options and services that promote health and well-being.
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Plan 1
One hot meal per day Monday to Friday. Lunch or DinnerTry our easy and deliciously healthy meals!
$50 per week
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or a voluntary contribution -
Plan 2
One hot meal per day Monday to Friday plus two frozen weekend meals. Lunch or DinnerRe-energize your body and mind with tasty and nutritious meals plus a little more for the weekend.
$65.60 per week
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or a voluntary contribution -
Plan 3
One hot meal and one sandwich meal per day Monday to Friday. Lunch and DinnerAdd more to your plate! Try our wholesome hot meals and a variety of sandwich meals Monday through Friday.
$59.00 per week
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or a voluntary contribution -
Plan 4
One hot meal and one sandwich meal per day Monday to Friday plus two frozen weekend meals. Lunch and DinnerA deluxe plan to support your needs 7 days a week! Try our healthy hot meals, our variety of sandwich meals, plus 2 frozen meals for the weekend.
$74.60 per week
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or a voluntary contribution
Any meal plan can be customized for 1 to 5 weekdays. We encourage clients to make a voluntary contribution towards their meals, but no one is turned away because of inability to pay.
Nutrition Services
Foodnet Meals on Wheels has a full-time Registered Dietitian who provides menu planning, counseling, and education to help our clients meet their nutritional needs. As a Foodnet client, we focus on your health so that you can live as independently as possible. Nutrition services include:
- Annual nutrition risk assessments, and nutrition education for our clients.
- Individualized nutrition counseling sessions.
- A meal service plan designed to meet your nutritional needs.
- Modified diet accommodations, guidance, and instructions.
- Coordination with your primary care physician and other community resources.
Nutrition Education
Discover the Nutritional Benefits of Buying Local (September 2021) – By Nicol Iori & Luiza Vierira, Cornell University Interns
Menu Planning
Foodnet’s recipes and menus are created by our Registered Dietitian, and Food Services Operations Manager to provide clients with healthy and satisfying choices. All of our menus follow the latest American Dietetic Association guidelines, and include *one-third or *two-thirds of the daily Dietary Reference Intake of nutrients. Foodnet’s meals are high in protein, low in salt and include moderate sugar and fat.
*Hot meals equal one-third of the daily nutritional intake requirements
Group Dining: Congregate Meals Program
Participation requires a reservation.
Please see below for congregate meals eligibility.
Call us at 607-266-9553 for more information or to register for Congregate Meals.
Community Meals Locations
Titus Towers Nutrition Program (Monday-Friday)
800 S. Plain St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-273-5297
Eligibility for Congregate Meals:
- Anyone 60 years of age or over is eligible to participate. The spouse of an eligible individual, regardless of age, is eligible.
- Individuals under age 60 may self pay or utilize participating insurance.
- Disabled individuals under age 60 that reside in a senior housing apartment where the meal is provided are eligible.
- Disabled individuals under age 60 who reside in a non-institutional household with a person eligible for congregate meals are eligible.
- Volunteers (any age) who provide congregate or home delivered meal services are eligible to receive a meal and may voluntarily contribute to its cost.