Meals on Wheels - Grand Forks, ND

Meals on Wheels is a vital community program dedicated to supporting homebound adults aged 60 and above, along with their spouses of any age who reside within Grand Forks, ND city limits. This compassionate service is designed to not only provide nourishment but also to foster social connections among seniors who may otherwise be isolated.

Nutritious, Age-Appropriate Meals

“As we grow older, our nutritional needs change. Seniors often need fewer calories but more nutrients like protein, fiber and vitamins. But getting the right nutrition isn’t always easy. Many seniors face challenges like a loss of appetite, trouble cooking or limited access to healthy food.” - Meals on Wheels America

At the heart of the Meals on Wheels program is its unwavering commitment to delivering nutritious, age-appropriate meals. Each meal is carefully crafted by a registered dietitian to ensure that seniors receive the adequate nutrients necessary to maintain their health and well-being. The meals align with current dietary guidelines, addressing specific dietary needs of older adults. This focus on nutrition helps seniors maintain a balanced diet, which is crucial for their overall health and vitality.

Frozen meals are delivered once a week to those requesting them for weekends and holidays as a way to bridge the meal-gap in between meal delivery.

Meals on Wheels sample menu (only lunch, with an entree option, is available for meal delivery)

Daily Visits

Beyond providing meals, Meals on Wheels offers an invaluable opportunity for social interaction. Every meal is delivered by a dedicated volunteer or GFSC staff member. For many recipients, this brief but meaningful contact is the only face-to-face interaction they have throughout the day. These visits not only brighten the seniors' day but also serve as a wellness check, providing peace of mind for both the client and their families.

We have a whole group of volunteers who deliver meals for us each weekday. If you would like to become a GF Senior Center volunteer, check out our volunteering opportunities. There is no way we could assist so many older adults without our volunteers, and our volunteers tell us that the work they do is incredibly satisfying.

Cost of a Meals on Wheels Meal

The cost of a client’s meal for Meals on Wheels is on a suggested donation basis. This means the client pays what they can afford. The current suggested donation is $4.25/meal. If a caregiver (who is not a spouse) is under 60 and also receiving a meal, the client pays a set price of $11.75/meal for the caregiver’s meal.

Federal, state and local funding will help fund the difference. Checks may be made payable to Grand Forks Senior Center or GFSC. SNAP (food stamps)/EBT, credit/debit cards are also accepted.

The Meals on Wheels program at the Grand Forks Senior Center is funded by the Title III Older Americans Act, Mill Levy funds, grants, local contributions, donations, and memorials. All money collected goes back into the program to pay for more meals. 

Meals on Wheels Emergency Contact

If no one is home when a meal is delivered to a Meals on Wheels client and arrangements have not been made, the Emergency Contact (provided at time of registration by the Meals on Wheels client) will be notified to ensure the safety of the older person. Along with other in-home and community based services, the older person can remain independent.

Community Impact

Meals on Wheels - Grand Forks plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for seniors, allowing them to remain independent in their own homes. By delivering both nutrition and a face-to-face wellness check, the program contributes significantly to the physical and emotional well-being of its clients. It is a testament to the power of community support and the difference that caring individuals can make in the lives of others.

Without the support of the GFSC's Meals on Wheels program, many clients could face nursing home placement, which in return, would cost the clients and state millions of dollars each year. Home is where our seniors want to be and that is where we help them remain.

Meals on Wheels Contact Information

Your Meals on Wheels Coordinator's job is to ensure that your meal arrives hot and in a timely manner. For information about qualifying for this program or if you have questions or concerns, please contact MOW Coordinator Roxie at 701-757-2006 or MOW@gfseniorcenter.org

Download the Grand Forks Senior Center Meals on Wheels fact sheet.