Who is eligible?

Individuals 60 years of age or older who are homebound due to illness or handicap and who are unable to prepare a balanced meal themselves or who have no one available to prepare a meal for them may be eligible for Meals on Wheels. Eligibility is determined on an individual basis.

How do you sign up for this program?

Contact the Yellowstone County Council on Aging at (406).259.9666. You will be referred to the appropriate staff person. If you are eligible for the program, an initial assessment will be scheduled to determine program eligibility. Hospital social workers, case managers, doctors and families also make referrals.

Who delivers the meals and when are they delivered?

Meals are delivered to your home by Meals on Wheels volunteers each weekday between 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. These drivers also make sure that the program participants are doing alright. If a change is noted in the participant’s condition, the driver immediately contacts the Meals on Wheels Coordinator who then contacts the participant’s family or friends.

Do you need to receive meals five days a week?

You do need to receive meals five days a week. You may cancel your meal(s) if you are not going to be home for a day or out of town for several days.

How can a meal be cancelled?

If you wish to cancel a meal, please contact YCCOA at (406).259.9666 as soon as possible. If no one is at home and a meal is delivered, the driver and YCCOA staff will worry about you and family and/or friends will be contacted.

How long can meals be received?

The Meals on Wheels Program is intended to offer support if you are unable to provide good nutrition for yourself. Meals may be needed only during a short time during an illness or after a hospital stay or for longer periods of time. Once you are able to get out of the house, we encourage you to attend a meal site.

How much do the meals cost?

To help us cover the cost of the program, a contribution of $3.00 per meal is recommended. Even though the MOW Program is heavily dependent on contributions, if you are unable to make a $3.00 contribution, you will not be denied service. You may pay the driver on Fridays or wait until you receive a monthly statement, which is mailed between the first and tenth of each month. We encourage you to donate by check in a sealed envelope. Write the check out to YCCOA Meals on Wheels. You may give your check to the driver or mail the check to:

YCCOA
1309 16th Street West
Billings, Montana, 59102

What are the meals like?

Meals on Wheels are tasty hot meals that are well balanced, low in fat with no added salt. Each meal meets 1/3 of the Recommended Dietary Allowance for older adults. Meals are packaged in trays that can be placed either in the microwave or in the conventional oven. After you are done with a tray, you must give them to the driver to return.

How is the program funded?

Funding for this program is through federal Older American Act funds, United Way funds and contributions from individuals who receive the service.