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Meals on Wheels

Delivering more than a meal.

Providing Companionship & Nutrition

Meals on Wheels in Michigan's Copper Country

Copper Shores Meals on Wheels is a home-delivered and congregate meal service. The meals are designed to provide 33 percent of the daily nutritional requirement. For people 60 and over, that are able to drive, congregate meal sites are situated throughout the area, providing an opportunity for social interaction.

For homebound seniors, meals are available for delivery. This vital service not only provides a hot meal, but also a visit from a dedicated delivery person. Meals and milk can be opened, and if a senior is not home, or unable to open the door, we call an emergency contact to be sure of the senior’s wellbeing. Often, this is the only social contact our homebound seniors have, and it is very important for them to have a connection with the world outside.

300 +
Seniors served every day
94406
Meals prepared in 2024
190
Miles covered daily by drivers
Meals on Wheels Staff

What's for Lunch?

Current Menu

Remember, nearly every meal is made from scratch by our caring staff in Hancock or Calumet! Click below to download our current and future monthly menus.

Meals on Wheels Waiting List

Currently, Copper Shores Meals on Wheels has a waiting list of more than 50 people with an average wait time of three-to-five months.

Why is there a waiting list?

As a nonprofit organization, we are limited on funding and resources. The suggested meal donation of $8 per meal is not adequate to cover the cost of running this program and providing meals and wellness checks to homebound seniors on an unlimited basis. An aging population in a rural area has limited options and resources with the demand for such meal services exceeding organizational capacity. 

Alternative Options

  • Mom's Meals is a mail meal delivery service available to everyone at a cost.
  • Certain insurance options cover meals when approved for specific hospital discharges.
  • Local grocery store delivery options exist with Walmart and Tadych's, within specific geographic areas.
  • Mohawk Superette sells packaged meals. 
  • The Office Shop in Calumet
  • Dial 211
  • The Salvation Army

National Issue

This problem is not unique to the Copper Country, according to Meals on Wheels national data one in three Meals on Wheels organizations having a waiting list. The issue was recently highlighted on by Meals on Wheels America on a blog post titled "The Crisis of Waiting: Why Meals on Wheels Programs Across America Are Struggling to Keep Up."

Eligibility

  • The need for meals should expand beyond a minimum of three weeks. However, shorter periods can be accommodated at the discretion of Meals on Wheels.

  • If a potential client anticipates the need for meals following a scheduled hospitalization, the referral should be made prior to the hospital stay.

  • Meal recipients must have a health status that generally prevents them from leaving their home for purposes other than medical appointments and occasional outings.

  • Meal recipients are unable to obtain food or prepare complete, nutritious meals because of their health.

  • Meal recipients do not have someone else in the home who is willing and able to provide meals.

  • A spouse or unpaid caregiver may be eligible to receive meals if Meals on Wheels determines receiving a meal is in the best interest of the client.

  • Health conditions prevent meal recipient from participating in the Meet & Eat program.

  • Potential clients must agree to an initial assessment prior to receiving meals. Exceptions are made in emergency situations.

  • Meal recipients must agree to a reassessment of their eligibility every six months.

  • Special dietary needs may not be met by the menu. It must be determined that use of the Meals on Wheels service will not jeopardize the health of a client.

  • Meal recipients must be able to feed themselves.

  • Meal recipients must agree to be home to receive meals and to follow Meals on Wheels guidelines for canceling a delivery.

Helping Copper Country residents live healthier.

 
We invite you to keep up with everything we have going on by subscribing to our Meals on Wheels monthly email newsletter!
 

Blog

Discover Our Latest Stories

August 26, 2025

September 2025 Menu Highlight

Thanks to support from the $1.28 million LFPA grant, we are able to purchase lettuce, blueberries, bison, beef, pork and more, all in the Upper ...
August 12, 2025

Bingo Bonanza at The Bluffs: third annual fundraiser for Meals on Wheels

Community members are invited to the third annual Bingo Bonanza at The Bluffs on Thursday, September 4, 2025 from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Bluffs Senior ...
August 6, 2025

Statement on Elder Nutrition Millage election results

Copper Shores Community Health Foundation and the Houghton County Elder Nutrition Committee are pleased to announce the passage of the Elder ...

Employment Opportunities

Work for Copper Shores Meals on Wheels

On-Call Float Position

Part-Time

On-Call Float Position Purpose Copper Shores Meals on Wheels is a home delivered and congregate meal service for people aged 60 and over. All meals ...

Route Driver

Part-Time

Route Driver Position Position Summary Copper Shores Meals on Wheels is looking for a reliable meal delivery driver who is concerned with customer ...

Podcast

Listen to Meals on Wheels Podcast Episodes

State of the Foundation with Kevin Store

The Copper Shores Podcast is BACK! With a new name and a great new soundtrack thanks to Ontonagon-native Noah Lukkari! Our first episode back - ...

Community Meals Bring Neighbors Together | CCSM Older Americans Month Part 4

Welcome to the final episode of our four-part series highlighting the amazing work done at Copper Country Senior Meals! In this episode we visit the ...

Contact us

Phone: 1 (906) 483-1155
Fax: 1 (906) 483-1159
Email: mealsonwheels@coppershores.org

Office Address

821 Water Street
Hancock, MI 49930

Kathleen Harter - Featured Image

Kathleen Harter

Program Director - Meals on Wheels
Jessica Mills - Featured Image

Jessica Mills

Program Assessor
Tribin Holbrook - Featured Image

Tribin Holbrook

Kitchen Manager
McKenzie Hart - Featured Image

McKenzie Hart

Office Clerk

2023 Meals on Wheels Membership Badge

Copper Shores Meals on Wheels is a program of Copper Shores Community Health Foundation. Copper Shores Community Health Foundation is a 501(c)(3) that complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based upon race, color, and national origin.

How to Support

If you believe in this mission and are able to support it, please consider making a one-time or monthly donation. To make a donation, visit our Donation page.