Options for Independent Living is a flexible, affordable program that provides assistance to Cuyahoga County residents 60 years and over -- or ages 18-59 and disabled -- who live in their own home, have limited income and are in need of assistance.

Available services include home delivered meals, medical transportation, a personal emergency response service, homemaking, light personal care assistance and more.

Home-delivered meals were one of the most requested services last year, with the program delivering over 270,000 meals to older adults.

Hunger -- also referred to as ‘food insecurity’ -- occurs due to lack of income, inability to cook, dental issues and low interest in preparing meals.

Home delivered meals supply balanced nutrition in a readily available form. Meals are prepared daily with fresh, healthy ingredients and are pre-cooked, so clients simply heat and enjoy. Vegan, low-sugar, low-salt and pureed meals are available upon request.

A sliding fee scale based on income allows clients to pay less for a prepared meal than purchasing ingredients at the grocery store. Qualified Options clients can receive their first meal delivery within two weeks.

To learn more about how to receive home-delivered meals through the Options for Independent Living program, please call (216) 420-6700.