How to Apply for Miami-Dade Meals for the Elderly
Ask for the right meal route based on whether the older adult can leave home, cook safely, and reach a meal site.
Start here
Call Miami-Dade Community Action and Human Services at 786-469-4600 and ask for Meals for the Elderly or the nearest Community Resource Center. Also ask the Alliance Elder Helpline at 305-670-4357 about funded meal programs.
Ask for Meals for the Elderly or the nearest center
See county older-adult servicesWhat to have ready
- Age, address, ZIP code, phone number, and emergency contact
- Whether the person is homebound or can attend a meal site
- Dietary restrictions and whether the person can safely prepare food
- Income or benefit information if requested for program screening
Words you can use
“I am trying to arrange meals for an older Miami-Dade resident. They [can/cannot] leave home and [can/cannot] prepare food safely. Which home-delivered or congregate meal program should screen them?”
Steps in order
- 1
Explain whether the need is temporary after a hospital stay or ongoing.
- 2
Ask whether an assessment, eligibility documents, waitlist, or contribution applies.
- 3
Confirm delivery days, start date, missed-delivery rules, and holiday or storm plans.
- 4
If home delivery is unavailable, ask about meal sites, food benefits, and emergency food.
If the first answer is no or wait
Call 211 for current food resources while the meal assessment is pending. Dial 211 or 305-631-4211 and give the Miami-Dade ZIP code.
Official sources
- Miami-Dade Community Action and Human Services
- Miami-Dade Community Resource Centers
- 211 Miami contact options
Sources checked August 9, 2026. Confirm eligibility, hours, cost, service area, and current availability directly.
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