For many Americans, Meals on Wheels is the difference between remaining in their own homes and needing to relocate to a nursing facility. The nutritious meal, friendly visit and wellness check help them cope with three of the biggest threats of aging: nutrition needs, isolation and loss of independence. Research proves that when older adults have the right support, they gain greater quality of life, need fewer hospital stays and live longer.
Board of Directors
- Rachael Wright – President, Chinese American Service League
- Amy Blaker – Past President, Lochmueller Group
- Verne Seehausen – Treasurer, Retired
- Jacqueline Weber – Secretary, Girls on the Run, Community Volunteer
- Victoria Blink – Matrix Construction, LLC
- April Gordon – Centier Bank
- Warren Johnson – Community Volunteer
- Gina Fezler, BMO Bank Community Volunteer
- Rich Long – Long Meihofer LLC
- Eric Culp, M.D. – Neonatologist
- LaShung Willis – Community Volunteer
- Claudia Jones – Starbucks Roastery
- Luke Weinman, IV – Hard Rock Northern Indiana
Our Team
- Ryan Elinkowski, Chief Executive Officer
- Bob Inch, Director of Finance – bob@mownwi.org
- Amelia Kozuch, Director of Food Service – amelia@mownwi.org
- Jenifer Okamura, Director of Development – jen@mownwi.org
- Melissa Gonzalez – Donor Relations Associate – melig@mownwi.org
- Jessica Denny, Grants Manager – jessica@mownwi.org
- Faith Evers, Volunteer Manager – faith@mownwi.org
- Melissa Huffman, Director of Community Engagement – melissa@mownwi.org
- Derek Kinney, Director of Operations and Human Resources – derek@mownwi.org
- Dan Rueter, Transportation and Facilities Manager – dan@mownwi.org
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
About the Program & Eligibility
Q: What is Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana?
A: Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana is a nonprofit nutrition provider. We prepare and deliver essential nutritious meals to our community, promoting health, wellness, and independence of all, with the support of a diverse and engaged community network.
Q: Who is eligible to receive meals?
A: We do not have an age or income requirement to receive meals.
Q: How do I sign up or enroll in the service?
A: You can use our online intake form (our client services team will still call you to complete registration) or call our client services department at 219-756-3663 x 1.
Meals, Delivery & Nutrition
Q: What type of meals are delivered?
A: Each hot meal typically includes an entrée, vegetable, side, bread or grain, fruit and a beverage. Meals are designed to meet nutritional standards and are prepared fresh in our commercial kitchen. Supper meals, which are a lighter meal, typically a sandwich (i.e. chicken salad) are offered as well as an addition to a hot meal. We also offer frozen meals in 5 and 7 packs.
Q: Do you offer special diets (e.g. low sodium, diabetic, vegetarian)?
A: Yes, all of our meals are heart healthy and sugar friendly. We also accommodate renal diets, no vitamin K, low residue, gluten free (not celiac) and provide mechanical soft and pureed meals. Please inquire with our client services department regarding additional questions. We also offer frozen meals in 5 and 7 packs.
Q: When are meals delivered?
A: Meals are delivered between 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Monday through Friday). Please be sure you are home to receive your meal. If you will not be home, please leave a cooler with ice so that we can safely leave your meal for you.
Q: What happens if I am out of town or unable to receive a meal?
A: Please notify us in advance. In many cases, we can pause your service temporarily or arrange for deliveries to be held until you return.
Q: What should I do if I don’t receive my meal?
A: If you have not received your meal please call us so we can investigate. We’ll check with the delivery route and follow up.
Q: How long can I keep the meals? Are they safe to eat later?
A: Fresh meals are meant to be consumed soon after delivery, ideally within the same day. If you cannot eat it right away, refrigerate it and consume within 24–48 hours. Frozen meals can be stored for up to 6 months.
Cost, Payment & Financial Assistance
Q: How much do meals cost?
A: The cost is income based and start at $6.25. Additional funding may be available for those who qualify.
Q: How do I pay for the meals?
A: Invoices are sent out each month for the month prior. For example, if you start your meals in January, your first invoice will be in February for the previous month. You may pay by credit card, or check.
Q: Are these meals covered by Medicaid?
A: We do accept Medicaid as a form of payment; please contact your case worker or care manager to ensure you have coverage for meals.