For almost a century, Meals on Wheels Northwest Indiana has delivered essential, nutritious meals — more than 2.5 million in 2025 alone — that promote healthy eating and support independent living.
A review that examined 48 studies of Meals on Wheels programs nationwide published in December 2024 in the journal Innovation in Aging, found consistent evidence that home-delivered meals improve diet quality, help older adults remain in their own homes longer, reduce food insecurity, and lower rates of falls and unnecessary hospitalizations.
But Melissa Huffman, director of Community Engagement, notes that seniors are just one of the communities Meals on Wheels Northwest Indiana serves.
"We also help children, pregnant women, families and others younger than 60 who face unnoticed challenges. This program supports our mission to promote health, wellness and independence for all ages. There are no age or income requirements for meal eligibility."
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Anyone in Lake, Porter, Newton, Jasper, Starke and Pulaski Counties age 3 and older are eligible to purchase the healthy meals, starting at $6.25 each.
As the organization says on its website, “Whether you are recovering from an illness or hospital stay, caring for a loved one, facing mobility challenges or simply looking for an easier way to eat healthier, Meals on Wheels can help.”
“Every meal we prepare is about so much more than food,” says Ryan Elinkowski, chief executive. “It’s about caring for our neighbors, supporting their health and helping them continue to live their lives with dignity and independence. We’re proud to continue creating nutritious, flavorful meal options that meet people where they are, at every age and every stage of life.”
Meals on Wheels began in Great Britain during World War II as an emergency response to feed displaced people. In 1954, Meals on Wheels started in Philadelephia to address malnutrition among homebound seniors. Over the next two decades, independent programs began nationwide, and federal backing increased in 1972 through amendments to the Older Americans Act.
Margot Clark, a Visiting Nurses Association social worker, started the Northwest Indiana chapter in 1977 in response to people who were sick and struggling to get proper nutrition in Lake County. Her vision has grown to a program that serves more than 2,000 meals daily across six counties in the Region.
"We have more than 1,400 clients and serve various daycares," says Huffman. "Additionally, we are the meal provider for senior centers across the region." Meals on Wheels serves operations including St. John Senior Center, Crown Point Senior Center, Active Day of Merrillville, St. Agnes Adult Day Service Center in Valparaiso and Genesis Towers in Gary.
Carla Zamora, 77, and her daughter, Jennifer Okamura, director of development with Meals on Wheels, live together in Gary’s Miller Beach neighborhood. Zamora said the program makes it possible for her to eat well and consistently, even when she doesn’t feel like cooking.
Zamora still likes to cook her own meatloaf and spaghetti, but rarely makes soup for herself. "There are better things to do than cooking all day long. Making soup is something that I wouldn't do for myself," she said. "They also have beef stew, which is very, very good and keeps well in the freezer."
"My favorite is the chicken noodle," said Zamora. "My second would be tomato basil. It's very good. They also have stuffed pepper, potato leek and vegetable soups. Oh, and a minestrone with so many vegetables — wow, it has a lot.
"The drivers are friendly and they stay consistent with the delivery time, which is good,” Zamora adds. “It tells me I don't need to eat something now — soup is coming soon."
Meals are delivered from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m Monday-Friday.
"Our meals start at $6.25, and soups at $3.25," said Huffman. "Costs are income-based, with additional funding available for qualified individuals.”
There's a diverse menu to satisfy every palate and dietary requirement. Choose from heart-healthy, sugar-friendly options, including lighter cold supper selections, as well as renal, soft and pureed foods. Fresh, hot meals include an entrée, vegetable, side, bread or grain, fruit and a beverage. Frozen meals come in five- and seven-pack options that are good for six months.
"Our veggie lasagna is a fan fave along with beef stew, beef Burgundy, meatloaf, chicken bruschetta, and chicken pot pie," said Huffman.
To sign up for meals, fill out a form at mownwi.org or call 219-756-3663, ext.1. To help deliver that message along with a good meal, submit a volunteer inquiry at mownwi.org.
