History of Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island, Inc.

Meals on Wheels of RI, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated primarily to meeting the nutritional and other special needs of the elderly in order to help them maintain their independent lifestyle. Many of these elderly people are able to care for their needs in their own homes if they have some help with nutritious meals or with some other social services.

The Home Delivered Meal program was set up in February 1969 in office space donated by Grace Church in downtown Providence. It began with 10 volunteers from various churches serving 17 clients on a single route in Providence. With the passage of the Older Americans Act in 1972, Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island was able to greatly expand the number of meals served statewide. To date, we have served over 15 million meals.

The Congregate Nutrition Program provides 200 daily meals daily at 11 sites throughout Providence and LIttle Compton.  The Senior Dining Program has expanded to include three Providence restaurants (Chelo's, Newport Creamery and IHOP) where seniors age 60 and older, can make a suggested donation of $5.00 per voucher to dine at these restaurants

We also have a full Case Management staff who are responsible for social service needs for elders in the city of Providence. The social workers and nurse visit nearly 1,000 people a year seeing that needed services such as a visiting nurse or home health aide are obtained.

In 1984, Meals on Wheels started offering the Emergency Response Service in order to provide immediate help to help to homebound citizens, via telephone, with the push of a help button that is worn on their wrist or neck.

Over the course of a year approximately 1,000 people deliver meals in their own vehicles, making sure the clients are safe and are involved in social interaction. They are caring individuals who believe in our mission; Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island could not do the work without them.

For additional information call (401) 351-6700. Contributions may be mailed to:

Meals on Wheels of RI
70 Bath Street
Providence, RI 02908