Boston Elder Nutrition Program

Nutritious Meal. Human Connection. Support for Independent Living.

Ethos provides nutritious meals, wellness support, and daily connection to older adults across Boston through Meals on Wheels and Community Cafes.

Apply For Meals on WheelsFind a Community Cafe

Serving older adults across Boston since 1973.

Two Ways to Receive Meals

Meals on Wheels

Home-delivered meals for older adults who cannot easily leave home or prepare meals independently.

  • Delivered to your home
  • Safety check included
  • Special dietary options
Learn More

Community Cafes

Social dining locations throughout Boston offering nutritious meals and community connection.

  • 40 locations across Boston
  • Social activities & events
  • Open to adults 60+
Find a Cafe

CTA Here

Bidder’s documents for the FFY 2027-2029 Boston Elder Nutrition Program

Sign Up Now

Boston Consortium RFP FY27

Sign Up Now

ABOUT

Supporting Older Adults Across Boston

The Ethos Nutrition Program is one of more than 5,000 senior nutrition programs nationwide and has served Boston older adults since 1973.

Each year, Ethos provides more than 2.6 million meals through:

  • Meals on Wheels home delivery
  • Community Cafe dining programs
  • Nutrition counseling and wellness support

The program helps older adults maintain health, independence, and connection to their communities.

MEALS ON WHEELS

Home-Delivered Meals with a Personal Touch

Meals on Wheels serves adults age 60+ in Southwest Boston who are unable to shop, cook, or leave home easily.

What’s included:

  • Nutritious prepared meals
  • Daily wellness and safety checks
  • friendly social interaction
  • Emergency meals during severe weather
  • Therapeutic and culturally appropriate meal options

Suggested Donation

$2.00 per meal (confidentially and voluntary)

Apply for Meals on WheelsContact Ethos

COMMUNITY CAFES

Healthy Meals and Community Connection

Ethos operates 40 Community Cafe locations throughout Boston where older adults can gather for nutritious meals and social engagement.

Community Cafe Features:

  • Fresh daily meals
  • Cultural and seasonal menus
  • Exercise and wellness activities
  • Social events and educational programs
  • Opportunities to connect with neighbors

Eligibility 

Open to adults age 60+. Spouses and younger residents in participating housing communities are also welcome.

Suggested Donation

$2.00 per meal (confidentially and voluntary)

View Cafe Locations

Program Features

Diverse Menu Options

Meals reflect the diversity of Boston communities and may include:

  • American
  • Carribean
  • Asian
  • Vietnamese
  • African-American
  • Italian
  • Vegetarian
  • Kosher
  • Therapeutic diets

Nutrition Counseling & Wellness

Registered dietitians provides: dietary needs

  • Nutrition check-ups
  • Personalized nutrition plans
  • Healthy eating guidance
  • Support for special dietary needs

Group Nutrition Education

Ethos dietitians are available for:

  • Community presentations
  • Senior centers
  • Elder housing programs
  • Wellness workshops

More than a Meal

Nutritious Meals

Healthy eating supports:

  • Independence
  • Energy and strength
  • Chronic disease management
  • Faster recovery
  • Overall wellness

Friendly Visits

For many older adults, a meal delivery ay also be:

  • A daily check in
  • A trust social connection
  • A moment of companionship
  • Reassurance that someone cares

Safety Checks

Meal deliveries also provide an added layer of safety and support, If an emergency or concern arise, Ethos staff can notify family members or emergency responders.

Additional Support Services

Ethos also offers:

  • Emergency meals during severe weather
  • Meals for special dietary needs
  • Culturally preferred meal options
  • Wellness-focused nutrition support

Community Cafe Locations

View Locations

Nutrition Program Brochure

Download Brochure

Meals on Wheels Application

Register Here

Need Help Getting Started?

Our team can help determine which nutrition services are right for you or your loved one.

Ethos
555 Amory Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
617-522-6700

Contact Us