How To Apply For Meals On Wheels In Houston
In this guide, I will show you how to apply for Meals on Wheels in Houston.
If you are a homebound senior who needs help accessing daily meals this program can help you.
I’m Nick Bryant, founder of HoustonCaseManagers.com, where I help seniors and medical professionals connect to local community resources like meals for seniors.
Today I’m going to provide you with instructions on finding a Houston Meals on Wheels contractor that deliveries to your area. Essentially the only thing you need to do is type in your zip code.
Keep reading!
What Is Meals On Wheels?
Meals on Wheels (MOW) is a government food program that delivers meals to the homes of individuals (typically seniors) who lack mobility, cannot shop for food or prepare it themselves.
Meals on Wheels has been around since 1943 and provides roughly 218 million meals per year.
Who Is Eligible For Meals On Wheels?
To be eligible for Meals on Wheels in Houston you must meet the following criteria:
- Be 60 years or older
- Homebound
- Unable to shop for your meal
- Unable to cook a meal
- Live in the greater Houston area
If you are the caregiver, child or spouse of someone 60 + who meets all of the eligibility requirements above you can receive Meals on Wheels services.
| Agency | Phone | Zip Codes |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest Assistance Ministries Website | Main NAM Number: 281.855.4555 MOW Number: 281.855.4622 MOW Page | 77014, 77038, 77041, 77040, 77064, 77066, 77065, 77067 77068, 77069, 77070 77084, 77086, 77090 77095, 77375, 77377, 77379, 77388, 77389 77429, 77433, 77447 77484, |
| E.R. Jewish Community Center Website | 713.729.3200 or 713.595.8177 MOW Page | 77005, 77006, 77025 77030, 77031, 77035 77045, 77071, 77074 77081, 77085, 77096 77401 |
| Interfaith Ministries Website | 713.533.4978 or 713.533.4900 MOW Page | 77006 77007 77008 77009 77013 77015 77016 77017 77018 77019 77020 77022 77024 77026 77027 77028 77029 77032 77036 77037 77039 77042 77043 77044 77046 77049 77050 77055 77056 77057 77060 77063 77072 77073 77076 77077 77078 77079 77080 77082 77083 77088 77091 77092 77093 77094 77098 77099 77336 77338 77339 77345 77346 77347 77373 77386 77396 77449 77450 77493 77530 77532 77536 77562 77565 77586 77598 |
| YWCA Houston Website | 713.868.9922 or 713.640.6816 MOW Page | 77002 77003 77004 77011 77012 77021 77023 77033 77047 77048 77051 77053 77054 77061 77075 77087 77089 |
| Baytown Meals On WheelsWebsite | 713.427.2145 | 77058 77059 77521 77520 77062 |
| Salvation Army Pasadena Website | 713.378.0020 or 713.752.0677 | 77502 77503 77504 77505 77506 77507 |
| City of Laporte | 281.470.9897 MOW Page | 77571 |
| City of South Houston Website | 713.947.7700 | 77587 77034 77017 |
| City of Jacinto City Website | 713.675.4487 | 77547 77029 |
What Are The Benefits Of Meals On Wheels?
Meals on Wheels provides much more than a hot, nutrient-rich meal. They also offer homebound seniors added benefits like the following:
Improved quality of diet
MOW not only wants to ensure that seniors eat at least one meal per day, but they also ensure that it is nutritious.
Decreased food insecurity
Whether it’s a lack of money or access to a grocery store the Meals on Wheels Program ensures that every senior have a hot meal each day.
Helps seniors save money
Many of the seniors who qualify for Meals on Wheels are on a fixed income. The daily home delivered meal helps older adults to lower the cost of food each month.
Increases human contact
Many seniors in the program lack the mobility to visit a Congregate Meals site or shop for their own groceries. This means they stay inside most of the day with no human interaction. Meals on Wheels volunteers help seniors by providing engaging with them and checking on their physical well-being.
Helps isolated seniors with referrals
In the event a volunteer visits a Meals on Wheels client and notices a problem, they can either call 911 for help immediately or if the situation is not urgent they report this information to a Meals on Wheels team lead for further follow-ups or potential referrals.
Keep seniors in their homes
In life, eating is non-negotiable. Despite a lack of mobility individuals who receive these meals remain in their homes as opposed to being forced to live in nursing homes.
What Kind Of Food Does Meals On Wheels Provide?
Meals on Wheels in Houston delivers nutritional meals like the following:
- Poultry
- Seafood
- Beef Entree
- Diabetic and Heart Friendly Meals
- Vegetarian Meals
What Is The Enrollment Process For Meals On Wheels?
To enroll in Meals on Wheels in Houston you must contact the “contractor” assigned to the zip code you live in.
Meals on Wheels agencies are assigned to specific zip codes in Houston. That agency will make the meals, gathers volunteers, and ultimately deliver the meals to low income seniors.
In the next section, we will provide you with the names of the contractors who managed the Meals on Wheels Program in Houston.
Meals on Wheels Contractors in Houston
There are 7 Meals on Wheels contractors in Houston. Below is a listing of each contractor as well as contact information:
- Interfaith Ministries
- Young Women’s Christian Association
- City of South Houston
- Northwest Assistance Ministries
- City of Jacinto City
- E.R. Jewish Community Center
- Baytown Meals on Wheels
- City of La Porte
- Salvation Army – Pasadena
Here is more information about each Meals on Wheels agency.
Interfaith Ministries Meals on Wheels
Interfaith Ministries is one of the contractors for Meals on Wheels in Houston. They provide meals to seniors in a number of zip codes all over Houston.
One unique feature about Interfaith Ministries is they offer called AniMeals on Wheels. This program provides pet food for your pups and kittens.
To ensure that their pets were fed, some Meals on Wheels clients would sacrifice their own food to ensure their pets ate. The AniMeals program was created to fix this problem.
Any Interfaith Ministry client who receives Meals on Wheels services automatically qualifies for the AniMeal Program.
For more information about Interfaith Ministries Meals on Wheels Program contact them at the following:
- 3303 Main Street Houston, TX 77002 – 713.533.4900
Northwest Assistance Ministries Meals on Wheels
The Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM) delivers meals to many of the zip codes in NW Harris County.
One unique service that NAM offers is the Food for Seniors Project.
The Food for Seniors Project delivers groceries once a month to seniors who cannot cook for themselves or have the money to afford food.
For more information about the Northwest Assistance Ministries Meals on Wheels Program contact them at:
- 15555 Kuykendahl Road, Houston, TX 77090 – 281.855.4555
YWCA Meals on Wheels
YWCA is the agency to call if you need Meals on Wheels in SE Houston because this is the area that they serve.
For more information on the YWCA Meals on Wheels Program contact them at the following:
- 6309 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Houston, TX 77021 – 713.868.9922 or 713.640.6816.
E.R. Jewish Community Center Meals on Wheels
E.R. Jewish Community Center also provides meal deliveries to low income seniors in Houston. Many of the zip codes that they service are between Highway 288 and the Southwest Freeway.
To learn more about their Meals on Wheels Program contact them at:
- 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX 77096 – 713.729.3200
In the next section, we’ll provide you with a table that you can use to locate the Meals on Wheels contractor that serves the zip code you live in.
Meals On Wheels By Houston Zip Code
Below you will find a table with listings of each zip code and the Meals on Wheel contractor that services the area.
To find the contractor that delivers in your area you need to type in the zip code that you live. Once you do this the Meals on Wheels contractor will appear. Call this contractor to ensure that they serve your zip code and then ask about the enrollment process for Meals on Wheels.
| Agency | Phone | Zip Codes |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest Assistance Ministries Website | Main NAM Number: 281.855.4555 MOW Number: 281.855.4622 MOW Page | 77014, 77038, 77041, 77040, 77064, 77066, 77065, 77067 77068, 77069, 77070 77084, 77086, 77090 77095, 77375, 77377, 77379, 77388, 77389 77429, 77433, 77447 77484, |
| E.R. Jewish Community Center Website | 713.729.3200 or 713.595.8177 MOW Page | 77005, 77006, 77025 77030, 77031, 77035 77045, 77071, 77074 77081, 77085, 77096 77401 |
| Interfaith Ministries Website | 713.533.4978 or 713.533.4900 MOW Page | 77006 77007 77008 77009 77013 77015 77016 77017 77018 77019 77020 77022 77024 77026 77027 77028 77029 77032 77036 77037 77039 77042 77043 77044 77046 77049 77050 77055 77056 77057 77060 77063 77072 77073 77076 77077 77078 77079 77080 77082 77083 77088 77091 77092 77093 77094 77098 77099 77336 77338 77339 77345 77346 77347 77373 77386 77396 77449 77450 77493 77530 77532 77536 77562 77565 77586 77598 |
| YWCA Houston Website | 713.868.9922 or 713.640.6816 MOW Page | 77002 77003 77004 77011 77012 77021 77023 77033 77047 77048 77051 77053 77054 77061 77075 77087 77089 |
| Baytown Meals On WheelsWebsite | 713.427.2145 | 77058 77059 77521 77520 77062 |
| Salvation Army Pasadena Website | 713.378.0020 or 713.752.0677 | 77502 77503 77504 77505 77506 77507 |
| City of Laporte | 281.470.9897 MOW Page | 77571 |
| City of South Houston Website | 713.947.7700 | 77587 77034 77017 |
| City of Jacinto City Website | 713.675.4487 | 77547 77029 |
Meals On Wheels Program For Disabled Adults In Houston
Individuals who have a disability need to call the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services at 713.692.1635 to apply for the program.
Conclusion
Meals on Wheels helps low income seniors in the Houston area by delivering hot meals to their doorstep.
The first step in setting up your meal deliveries is finding the nonprofit agency that coordinates deliveries.
If you were unable to find the contractor who services your zip code, simply leave a comment below and I will respond with the nonprofit and telephone number that you will need to call.
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- Food Pantries In Houston To Provide Supplemental Meals
- How To Find Rent And Utility Assistance In Houston
Houston Meals On Wheels FAQ
In order to qualify for Meals on Wheels in Texas, seniors must be 60 years or older and homebound due to an illness or disability. Other qualifiers include those who are unable to shop or prepare meals because of their physical condition and/or lack of available transportation. Individuals must also meet income guidelines set by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS). Additionally, some counties may have other criteria that need to be met in order for one’s application to be approved.
Meals on Wheels is free to eligible senior citizens who are 60 years and older.
Visit Mealsonwheelsamerica.org and enter your zip code on the home page to find the Meals on Wheels provider in your area. The search results will give you a listing of agencies that service your area. Start by calling the agency with the “Best Match” designation because this is likely who delivers free meals to seniors in your zip code.
Funding for Meals on Wheels primarily comes from the Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Program Funding. Additionally, the program also receives funding from federal, state, and private dollars.
Almost 75 million seniors across the country rely on Meals on Wheels for their daily nutrition needs, making up around 22% of our population. Whites account for 74%, African-Americans 10%, Latinos 9%, and Asians 4%. With this statistic in mind, we can see how vital programs like Meals on Wheels are to ensure that everyone is able to receive adequate sustenance regardless of race or ethnicity.
Nick Bryant is the author of Understanding Healthcare Is Half The Battle and a Senior Counselor with 13+ years of experience working in community health and mental health. He enjoys spending time with his family, watching WWE on Friday nights, and working toward a Google Data Analytics certification. If you have additional questions about community resources or government assistance programs, simply leave a comment below and he will follow up as soon as possible.
Why isn’t zip code 77072 included? I live in a house with another Senior citizen and we could benefit from the Meals on Wheels program.
Hi Joan, try Interfaith Ministries at 713.533.4978 they should serve 77072. God bless.
I’ve left numerous messages on 713-533-4978 & 4900
I’ve also signed up on your web site over 2 weeks ago and still haven’t gotten a response. My brother Kevin Young lives at 905 Adele Houston Texas 77009
He’s a homebound dialysis patient and can’t cook for himself. His disablity has caused him not to be able to drive or stand very long. Please take a few minutes to reply so that I can set up delivery for his meals. I really appreciate you attention to this most urgent matter. Thank you
Lee
832-228-5628
Foster_leandrea@yahoo.com
Hi Leandrea hopefully they were able to follow up with you. There is a waitlist for Meals on Wheels in some areas so that could be why you have not received a follow up call.
If your brother still does not have a caregiver, checkout this article to learn how to get a home caregiver in Houston.
Hello I’m looking for a location and number that service zip code 77026 thanks.
Hello Gloria hope all is well on your end. Looks like its Interfaith Ministries for 77026. You can reach them at 713.533.4978. https://www.imgh.org/meals-wheels-greater-houston/
Is there a Meals on wheels in the New Caney, Tx area?
Good question Lionila because I dont have them listed. If you contact Meals on Wheels Montgomery County at 936-756-5828 they can let you know about qualifications to get your family started. https://www.mowmc.org
Also, look at Montgomery County Food Bank for even more food assistance in the area. You can call them at 936-271-8800. https://mcfoodbank.org/
Is there a meals on wheels in zip 77047 Houston Texas
Hi Brenda try YWCA for the 77047 zip code.
YWCA Houston Meals on Wheels 713.868.9922 or 713.640.6816.
If you have trouble reaching them on the phone the link I added has a person you can directly email about their south Houston meals on wheels program.
Hello, I live in Dallas Tx. I would like to see how I can get my sister in this program. I have called two different numbers, but one says it is no longer in service and the other number that is for her zip code is for some contract company. My sister has lupus, is doing dialysis at home, has had heart surgery, diabetic, knees replacement (not a good outcome on that) She is in a wheelchair that she shares with her husband, who is also in dialysis, has also had heart surgery, had both legs amputated, and diabetic. Moving around is hard for them, but have been able to manage. My family that live close to them do their best, but at times it is difficult. She recently got out of the hospital for chest pain due to her heart, then was intubated due to not able to breathe on her own. She sounds very weak, and I worry that she isn’t eating much, I don’t understand why they let her go home? Can you please guide me where or who to call. I appreciate a reply as soon as you can.
Thank you
Hi Lydia, I’m sorry to hear about the trouble your sister is going through, but your help probably means a lot to her. Regarding her Meals on Wheels distributor, what is her zip code? If she is in Houston consider contacting the Houston Food Bank at 832.369.9390 (https://www.houstonfoodbank.org) …must have coronavirus or be quarantined to receive deliveries from Houston Food Bank. Area Agency on Aging 832.393.4301 (https://www.houstontx.gov/health/Aging/) may also be delivering meals to seniors.
Most agencies that deliver food (meals on wheels, etc) train their delivery drivers to ask about the well-being of the clients they deliver to. If your sister is feeling ill during the delivery, they can assist her w contacting 911 if necessary.
Again, just let me know the zip and I’ll look into that provider for you asap.
Updated: Crowdsource may be able to help her with food also. The qualifications are must be 65 and older, have a chronic condition and low income. Go to their website for more details: https://crowdsourcerescue.com/tickets/add/845
Lydia – the Dallas area Meals on Wheels program is called VNA (Visiting Nurse Association) of Texas. Their number is 214-689-2639
https://www.google.com/search?gs_ssp=eJzj4tZP1zcsSS6xNC4yM2C0UjWosDAzSbVMNrO0NEs1MjAyMbQyqEhOSjZJs0g2SDEwN041NDP2Ei7LS1TITU3MKVbIz1Moz0hNzSkGAOa2FWc&q=vna+meals+on+wheels&oq=vna+meals+on+wheels&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j46i175i199i512j0i512l3j0i22i30l2j69i65.5941j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#
Hi Mr. Bryant. Do you have any contacts for meals on wheels or any other food delivery programs for 77407
Hi Maryann, hope all is well w you and your family. It appears that 77407 is Fort Bend County and while I don’t personally know much about services in the area two places you can follow up with are:
1. Fort Bend County Health and Humans Services Department: https://www.fbchhs.org/social-services/general-assistance/case-management
2. East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministries – Don’t think they cover that zip code but they should be able to better direct you to services https://www.humanneeds.org/
Another option is checking the Nextdoor app. Its like Facebook, but you only see people in the zip codes near you. I’m in SE Houston, but I’ve seen lots of people from my area helping other neighbors w food delivery and directing them to local churches that are helping also. https://nextdoor.com
I am a senior looking for someone to do maintenance around my home. Can you help?
Hi Marilyn consider calling Area Agency on Aging at 832.393.4301 they may be able to better direct you. Also the City of Houston has a home repair program that may be able to help you. Call them at 832-394-6200 or visit their website. https://houstontx.gov/housing/home_repair_programs.html
Thank you for being a great help and resource for the people. ?
Thank you for the kind words and no problem at all Michelle! God bless you and your fam, stay safe!
I’ve called and left a message with my zip code contractor, but get no response. Can I call elsewhere to see if my husband and I qualify?
Hi Nilda, not sure which contractor you tried but maybe calling Interfaith Ministries at 713.533.4978. They have always pointed me in the right direction when I had the wrong contractor in the past. What zip code are you in?
You can also try using the national Meals on Wheels website in the event there is a mistake on my end.
https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/
If none of that helps let me know and I’ll try and find your contractor for you.
God bless!
Nick
I would like to where can I get help with meals on wheels for my elder parents one is bed ridden and the other one has vision problems she can’t drive anymore.
Hi Maria! It all depends on the zip code. Just provide the zip code your parents live in and I’ll give you the Houston meals on wheels contractor for that zip code.
I am trying to set up someone for Meals on Wheels in 77011 zip and the phone continues to have a busy disconnected sound??
Just tried the number also and I received the same thing. I double checked the YWCA website and its the same 713-868-9922 number. I did however find this different number 713-640-6816 on their Meals on Wheels page. If that doesn’t work you may be able to email them: ywcahouston@ywcahouston.org.
Thanks for the heads up on this, I’ll update this number if it’s still giving the busy signal tomorrow.
Thank you for the information for MOW. Did want to let you know that the phone numbers you have listed for Northwest Assistance Ministries is wrong. It should be 281-885-4622 or 281-885-4555. You have 281-855-4622/4555.
No problem at all Maria! Also thanks for the update. I’ll change it to the complete number just so theirs no confusion for folks!
Dear Sir: I have been trying to get my disabled son and his disabled friend who lives here Meals on wheels, I am his mother and I am eighty years old and it is hard for me to buy and prepare for him. He also is a vet. Anthony Carey and Clifford Teakell .
Is there a reason my son can’t get it????? or his friend?????
I have contacted nam several times without any response.
please help me I could the meals for myself too.
They deliver in Jersey Village which is two miles from here.
Hi Ms. Mary, if he is under 60 years old and disabled there is a different way to apply for Meals on wheels in Houston when you have a disability. Instead of contacting one of the nonprofits listed on this page, you contact an agency called Care Connect at 713.692.1635. They can screen your son and his friend if they are both under 60 years old and have a disability.
Now if they are older than 60 years old, just give me their zip code and I’ll do a quick search to see which nonprofit makes deliveries in your part of Jersey Village.