u2605 Veterans Program

Honoring those who served — at home.

Our Veterans Program delivers nutritious meals, friendly check-ins, and care coordination for LaPorte County veterans aging in place.

38%

Of our clients are veterans


1 in 4

Vets 65+ live alone

2x

Food insecurity rate

5 days

Meals each week

Why this matters

Many veterans are isolated and food insecure.

According to MOW America, 1 in 4 veterans 65+ live alone, and food insecurity rates among older veterans are nearly double the national average for seniors.

For LaPorte County veterans who served “” and who now find it hard to shop, cook, or get to the VA “” a hot meal and a familiar face every weekday is a tangible thank-you that arrives at the door.

170+

Veterans served in LaPorte County last year

What’s included

The full Veterans Program

More than meals “” a coordinated package of services designed for veterans and their caregivers.

Hot daily meals

Two entrée options each weekday, designed for a heart-healthy diet. Texture-modified and renal options available.

Wellness check

A trained volunteer checks in at every delivery “” and flags concerns to staff or family right away.

VA coordination

We work with VA NW Indiana case managers to align our service with VA benefits and home-based primary care.

Benefits navigation

Help applying for VA Aid & Attendance, SNAP, and other benefits you may have earned but never claimed.

Caregiver respite

Allow us to help — know that a meal and someone dependable will show up and check in on your loved one.

Veteran-to-veteran

Wherever possible, we pair veteran clients with veteran volunteers “” a fellow service member at the door.

Eligibility

Who can enroll?

The program is open to honorably discharged veterans of any era, plus surviving spouses, who meet the criteria below.

LaPorte County resident

Living within our service area — Michigan City, LaPorte, Westville, and surrounding townships.

Homebound or limited mobility

Difficulty leaving home for meals, shopping, or cooking. No income requirement.

Veteran or surviving spouse

Honorably discharged from any branch, including National Guard and Reserve. Surviving spouses qualify.

Age 60+

(or under 60 with a qualifying disability — call us, we’ll help you figure it out).

How it works

From first call to first meal

Most veterans are receiving meals within 5 business days of reaching out.

1

Call us

219.872.9117 — ask for the Veterans Program coordinator.

2

Brief intake

15-minute call to confirm eligibility, dietary needs, and access details.

3

Home visit

A coordinator visits to meet you, answer questions, and finalize details.

4

Meals begin

Hot meals start within a few days — and a wellness check comes with every one.

Our partners

We don't do this alone

The Veterans Program is built in partnership with VA, county, and community organizations.

VA NW Indiana

Care coordination & benefits referrals

LaPorte County Veterans Affairs

Local benefits navigation

DAV Chapter 11

Transportation & outreach

American Legion Post 451

Volunteer recruitment

Portrait of Walter, a Veterans Program client and retired Navy servicemember

I served 22 years in the Navy. After my wife passed, the kitchen got too quiet. The driver who brings my lunch served too — Marines, Vietnam. He always says the same thing when I open the door. “At ease, sailor.” I look forward to it.

Walter

Walter, 78

U.S. Navy, retired · Veterans Program client since 2022

Take action

Help us serve more veterans.

Your gift directly funds meals, wellness checks, and care coordination for LaPorte County veterans. Every $40 funds a full week of meals for one veteran.

Together, we can deliver.®