A longtime provider of meals and companionship for older adults has a new home in Oak Lawn, marking a fresh chapter in its effort to serve one of the region’s most vulnerable populations.
Meals on Wheels for Northern Illinois relocated Jan. 5 from Hometown to 5220 W. 105th St., bringing its Meals on Wheels and community dining programs under one roof in a more accessible space. The move reflects both a growing demand for services and a broader mission to keep seniors nourished, connected and active.
“This location allows us to better serve the community,” said Site Manager Angie Gasca. “We have two programs here — Meals on Wheels where we provide a hot meal to homebound seniors in Worth Township, and a dine-in program where anyone age 60 and older can register and reserve a meal.”
The dine-in program, known locally as the Oak Lawn Community Café, runs Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants can enjoy a hot meal for a small suggested donation, while also taking part in social activities designed to reduce isolation.
Beyond meals, the site offers a steady calendar of programming, including crafts, bingo, parties, guest speakers and occasional special treats, all aimed at fostering connection among older adults.
The relocation comes at a time when the need for senior nutrition services is growing. According to organizational data, more than 450,000 seniors across Illinois face food insecurity, underscoring the importance of reliable access to nutritious meals.
In Cook County alone, more than 1.1 million residents are age 60 or older, with 13.7% living below the poverty line and nearly 44% living alone. Advocates say those numbers highlight the dual challenges of hunger and isolation among older adults.
Meals on Wheels for Northern Illinois traces its roots back to the 1970s, when a meal service program was first operated through the Community Economic & Development Association. Over the decades, the organization expanded across suburban Cook, Will, Grundy and Kendall counties, becoming one of the largest senior meal providers in the nation.
In March 2025, the organization unified under its current name after previously operating as the Community Nutrition Network & Senior Services Association and the Meals on Wheels Foundation of Northern Illinois.
Today, it operates 22 group dining sites and 19 meal distribution hubs, supporting both in-person and home-delivered meal programs. A weather preparedness initiative also ensures that homebound clients have shelf-stable meals on hand during emergencies.
The Oak Lawn site is part of that broader network, with a focus on ensuring that seniors in Worth Township have consistent access to meals and community support.
“Our mission is providing meals and resources to older adults and persons with disabilities to help them lead active and healthy lives,” Gasca said.
Menus for the Oak Lawn location are available online, and reservations for the dine-in program can be made in advance. Organizers say the new space is already helping fulfill a longstanding goal: making sure no senior goes hungry or feels forgotten.