Meals on Wheels (MOW)

Who is eligible to receive Meals on Wheels (MOW)?

To qualify, a participant must:​

• Must be 60 years old or over

• Live alone or with someone who is unable to cook one healthy meal per day

• Not drive and unable to take a cab or bus to a meal site

• Have health issues or unable to cook healthy meals

Are meals available during the weekends and for those who don't qualify for MOW?

Yes; Allies in Aging at 1505 Ave D in Billings, Montana, has frozen meals available to purchase for weekends and holidays. We ask $4.50 for each meal.

If you are still driving and do not qualify for Meals on Wheels, you're also eligible to purchase a frozen meal.

Frozen meals are also available for purchase on Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at 1505 Ave D, Billings, MT 59102.

How does someone sign up for this program?

If you or someone you know would benefit from MOW, please contact the appropriate coordinator:

• Billings Program - Stacy and Pam, (406) 259-9666

• Laurel Program - Mary, (406)628-7571

• Worden Program - Janet, (406) 880-6061

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After an initial assessment over the phone, a time to meet with the senior in need will be scheduled to determine program eligibility. Program eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis. Hospital social workers, case managers, doctors, and families also make referrals.​

Who delivers the meals, and when are they delivered?

Meals are delivered by volunteers each weekday between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Volunteer drivers make sure that the program participants are doing well. If a change is noted in a participant's condition, the volunteer immediately contacts the coordinator who then contacts the participant's family or friend.

Do you need to receive meals five day a week?

Yes. You may cancel your meal(s) if you will not be home for the day or out of town for several days. If your absence is only during the delivery time, you may leave a cooler with ice outside of your door/house so the volunteer may place your meal inside.

How can a meal be cancelled?

If a participant wishes to cancel a meal, he/she needs to contact the appropriate coordinator as soon as possible. If a meal is delivered and no one is at home, our volunteers and staff will contact family and/or friends of the participant. Also, a canceled meal that is not needed helps us save money by conserving food.

How long can meals be received?

The MOW Program is intended to offer support for as long as needed. This support may be for a short time during an illness, after a hospital stay or for longer periods of time. Once a participant is able to leave his/her home, he/she will be encouraged to attend a meal site.

How much do the meals cost?

To help us cover the cost of the program, there is a recommended donation of $6 per meal. Even though the MOW Program depends on these donations, a senior will not be denied service if they are unable to make a $6 contribution. We will make the program work for the participant.

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Participants receive a monthly statement between the first and tenth of each month. We encourage payment to be made by check in a seal envelope. Please write the check payable to Allies Meals on Wheels and send it to P.O. Box 20895, Billings, MT 59104.

What is included in a nutritious hot meal?

MOW meals are well-balanced, with no salt added, and a low-fat content. Each meal meets 1/2 of the Recommended Dietary Allowance for older adults. Meals are packaged in sealed trays that can be placed directly in the microwave or conventional oven for reheating.

How is MOW funded?

Funding for this program includes dollars from the Older American Act, United Way of Yellowstone County, and recommended donations by program participants and private donations.