Hoosiers now have a new way to support their homebound neighbors — right from their bumper. Indiana has officially approved a Meals on Wheels specialty license plate, making it one of just five new specialty group recognition plates greenlit by the Interim Study Committee on Roads and Transportation. The distinctive plate, featuring the nationally recognized Meals on Wheels America heart logo, is available now at BMV branches across the state and online.
The approval caps a years-long advocacy effort led in part by Meals on Wheels LaPorte County, which played a pivotal role in the application process. Securing a specialty plate in Indiana requires extensive documentation of community support, and the LaPorte County team rose to the challenge — gathering more than 500 petition signatures from supporters, volunteers, and community members to demonstrate the program’s statewide significance.
Every plate registration includes a $25 donation that goes directly to Meals on Wheels programs throughout Indiana. Those funds help cover the cost of nutritious meal preparation, daily delivery routes, and the wellness checks that volunteers perform at every doorstep. For programs operating on thin margins in an era of rising food and fuel costs, every dollar counts.
The numbers tell a compelling story of need and impact. In 2025 alone, Indiana’s Meals on Wheels programs served more than 20,767 individuals and delivered over 2.1 million meals to Hoosiers who are homebound, elderly, or living with disabilities. Each of those visits represents far more than a hot lunch — it’s a wellness check, a moment of human connection, and often the only face-to-face interaction a person receives all day.
“This work would not be possible without the dedication of volunteers, staff, and the ongoing support of our communities. We are so much more than a meal — we are a helping hand, access to resources, and often the only regular human connection someone receives.”
Meals on Wheels Indiana leaders
For Meals on Wheels LaPorte County, the plate is both a fundraising tool and a rolling awareness campaign. Every car sporting the plate sparks conversations about senior hunger and isolation — issues that persist quietly in communities across the state. The organization delivers more than 100,000 meals each year across LaPorte County, relying on a combination of government funding, grants, and private donations to keep its kitchen and delivery routes running.
Community members are encouraged to spread the word about the new plate by sharing what Meals on Wheels means to them — whether as volunteers, clients, family members, or neighbors — using the hashtag #IndianaTogetherWeDeliver on social media.
How to Get Your Plate
Requesting the Meals on Wheels specialty plate is simple. Visit your local Indiana BMV branch when renewing or purchasing plates, or order online through the Indiana BMV website. The $25 specialty plate fee is a small investment that makes a meaningful difference for seniors in your community.
Want to do even more? You can also donate directly to Meals on Wheels LaPorte County or contact our office at 219-872-9117 to learn about other ways to support seniors in LaPorte County. Together, Indiana can help end the wait for senior nutrition — one license plate at a time.