Applying for, and starting to receive our service, is simple.  All you have to do is:

• Call us.  Contact our Intake department at (716) 822-2002, Monday through Friday, any time between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Be prepared to provide the following information:
  • Full name
  • Complete address (apartment number, zip code, etc.) and phone number
  • Date of birth
  • Marital status
  • Name, address and phone number (home and work) of one person who can be contacted in case of emergency
  • Physician’s name, complete address and phone number
  • Eligibility information – why are home-delivered meals needed?
    
    
• Once an application is completed, the primary physician is contacted by a Meals on Wheels Intake social worker to obtain dietary information and/or restrictions.
  
   
• Meals on Wheels social workers will then work with the applicant/caregiver to arrange for meal service to begin.  Although the starting date depends on route availability, most recipients receive their first meals within a week of the initial phone call.  More specific information on this will be provided when you call to apply.  All efforts will be made to provide meal-delivery service as soon as possible.
  
  
• The applicant is then contacted by a case manager from the Erie County Department of Senior Services who will schedule an in-home assessment.  At the home visit, the case manager will discuss Meals on Wheels, as well as other programs that may be of interest to the applicant, or that they may be entitled to.

Please remember that each program participant is asked to make a suggested, voluntary, confidential contribution of $6.50 per day for the two meals, or $32.50 per week. The actual cost of food preparation and delivery is approximately $9.00 per day. At the time service is arranged, a social worker will explain how the voluntary contribution may be made and work with the applicant/families if they are not able to afford the full, suggested amount.  No one is denied service based on an inability to contribute. 

For more information on starting service, contact our Intake department by phone at (716) 822-2002, or by email.