Frequently Asked Questions

Read below for the answers to some frequently asked questions about our Meals on Wheels Rowan program. Additional information about our program, how to volunteer, and how to donate can be accessed from the main menu.

Visit the Contact Us page or call 704-633-0352 if you have additional questions.

Q. Who is eligible for home-delivered meals?
  • Rowan County Citizens

  • Homebound Seniors over 60 years of age 

Q. What do you mean by homebound?

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.

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 100 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 as soon as possible with an eligible participant.

Q. Who prepares the meals?

Our food service provider is K&W Cafeteria. North Carolina State regulations state each meal must have less than 1300mg of sodium and a minimum of 700 calories. The menu is approved by a registered dietitian. Fresh and fresh frozen foods are used as often as possible.

Q. Who delivers the meals?

Over 1000 volunteers deliver nearly 300 meals Monday-Friday.

Q. How much does the home-delivered meals program cost?

The Home-Delivered Meals program costs $12.80 per meal. This includes:

  • Direct meal cost

  • Site Coordinators, Couriers, Meal Coordinator, Care Coordinators, and Program Director

  • Participant assessments, registration, and reassessment

  • Volunteer recruitment, orientation, and training

Q. Does Meals on Wheels Rowan get any federal or state funding?

Meal on Wheels Rowan will receive approximately $65,000 in 2022-2023 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. According to the funding formula provided by North Carolina, $65,000 will provide 20 individuals with meals for a year. 

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 2024 budget will support up to 325 meals each weekday.