Read below for answers to some frequently asked questions about our Meals on Wheels Rowan program. The main menu provides additional information about our program, including how to volunteer and donate.
Contact Us or call 704-633-0352 if you have additional questions.
Q. What if my friend or a family member has a caregiver? Are they eligible?
Individuals who have caregivers who have the duty of preparing daily meals are not eligible for Meals on Wheels.
Q. Can I refer a family member to Meals on Wheels if I am a family caregiver and cannot be at home during the day to prepare a meal for my loved one?
Yes, you can refer your family member to Meals on Wheels.
Q. Are home-delivered meals free?
We ask everyone to pay or contribute as they are able. Meals are not free to everyone.
Currently, we reserve 125 spaces for individuals who need 100% subsidized meals. These spaces fill quickly, and if we "graduate" or discharge a participant who moves into a facility, we fill each space with an eligible participant as soon as possible.
Q. Who delivers the meals?
Over 1000 volunteers deliver over 300 meals Monday-Friday.
Q. How much does the home-delivered meals program cost?
The Home-Delivered Meals program costs $13.80 per meal. This includes:
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Direct meal cost
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Site Coordinators, Couriers, Meal Coordinator, Care Coordinators, and Program Director
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Participant assessments, registration, and reassessment
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Volunteer recruitment, orientation, and training
Q. Does Meals on Wheels Rowan get any federal or state funding?
Meal on Wheels Rowan will receive approximately $96,000 in 2025-2026 from the Home Care Community Block Grant. These federal funds from the Older Americans Act are matched at the state and county level by specific percentages.
Q. Where does Meals on Wheels Rowan get the rest of their funding?
Meals on Wheels Rowan gets additional funding from individuals, foundation grants, church partners, local government allocations, businesses, and fundraising activities.
Q. How many people receive meals each day?
Meals on Wheels Rowan provides nearly 300 meals each Monday through Friday.
Q. Do you have a waiting list?
We have a waiting list from time to time. Our 2026 budget will support up to 330 meals each weekday.
Rowan County citizens and homebound seniors over 60 years of age
We describe homebound individuals as those who cannot leave their homes except for medical, pharmacy, and essential trips. They may be unable to grocery shop. Rarely do homebound individuals drive. It is difficult for homebound individuals to stand at all or for long enough to prepare a nutritious meal for themselves.