Is there a distance limitation on the meals on wheels program?

Who told her she was out of range? Was it the local MOW staff? I'm guessing she's probably in a rural area that might not be served. You might try Springfield as the closest large city and see what their program range is.

Sometimes the Area Agency on Aging has information on MOW. You could also research to determine if the state has an elder agency and contact them to find out if she's in the jurisdiction of a different MOW program.

The cost is $3.00 per meal in our area. They're definitely not free, although the program does occasionally provide an additional meal for holidays when deliveries aren't made.

Our local Meals on Wheels has started changing the rules as money gets tighter. Seniors who are able are expected to go to the senior centers where the meals are served. There is also a certain radius that the program will serve. Meals are taken to people by volunteers, so they can't ask them to drive too far out. People are asked to donate $1.50 for each meal, but can still get one if they can't afford the donation.

Your neighbor would need to contact the closest Meals on Wheels to see what is their service area. If someone lives quite a distance out, chances are there would be no service.

Meals on Wheels has funding help from the Federal, State, and local governments plus fundraisers and private donations. Usually an elder who gets a meal will make a small donation, if they are able.