Last verified 2026-05-17
Meals on Wheels delivers warm, nutritious lunches to home-bound seniors in Western Nevada County twice a week. The program is run by Gold Country Senior Services, a local nonprofit that has operated this service since 1987 and now delivers over 100,000 meals a year [Source: goldcountryservices.org/meals-on-wheels (accessed 2026-05-17)].
Who qualifies
- You are 60 or older.
- You live in the service area (see below).
- You have trouble preparing meals or shopping for food on your own.
- People recently discharged from the hospital or living with chronic illness get priority [Source: goldcountryservices.org/meals-on-wheels (accessed 2026-05-17)].
What you get
- Two hot lunches delivered each week — Tuesday and Thursday, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
- A friendly volunteer visit and quick wellness check at the door.
- No deliveries on weekends, major holidays, or when roads are unsafe.
- Cost: A voluntary $4-per-meal contribution is suggested. No one is turned away if they cannot pay [Source: goldcountryservices.org/meals-on-wheels (accessed 2026-05-17)].
Service area
Deliveries cover Nevada City, North San Juan, Grass Valley, Penn Valley, Lake Wildwood, Cedar Ridge, Chicago Park, Rough & Ready, Alta Sierra, and Lake of the Pines.
How to apply
- Call the Meals on Wheels line: (530) 446-6853.
- A case manager will set up a short phone or in-person visit to confirm eligibility.
- Once approved, meal delivery begins on the next regular route.
You can also call the Gold Country Senior Services main office at (530) 615-4541, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., 206 Providence Mine Road, Suite 118, Nevada City [Source: goldcountryservices.org/about (accessed 2026-05-17)].
Bonus: Pet Food Pantry
If you have a dog or cat, ask your Meals on Wheels case manager about the Pet Food Pantry Program. It provides free pet food so seniors don't have to choose between feeding themselves and feeding their pets [Source: goldcountryservices.org/meals-on-wheels (accessed 2026-05-17)].
Common pitfalls
- Don't wait until you're in crisis. Eligibility screening takes a few days. Call as soon as cooking or shopping becomes hard.
- Eastern Nevada County (Truckee area) is served by a different provider — Sierra Senior Services. The number above is for Western Nevada County only.
- If you live just outside the listed towns, still call — the case manager can tell you whether your address is on a route.
Where to get help
- Meals on Wheels direct line: (530) 446-6853
- Gold Country Senior Services office: (530) 615-4541
Sources
- Gold Country Senior Services — Meals on Wheels page: https://www.goldcountryservices.org/meals-on-wheels/ (accessed 2026-05-17)
- Gold Country Senior Services — About page: https://www.goldcountryservices.org/about/ (accessed 2026-05-17)
