Client FAQ
Open Arms of Minnesota is a nonprofit that prepares & delivers medically tailored meals to Minnesota residents diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, cancer, MS, ALS, ESRD, CHF, and COPD. Our loving community of donors and volunteers helps us provide these meals to our clients and their loved ones completely free of cost. At Open Arms, we believe that food is medicine and there’s always room for one more at our table.
Below are answers to common questions about our service. If you have further inquiries, please contact one of our Client Services associates at 612-767-7333.
Phones are answered Monday – Thursday 8am-4pm, and Friday 8am-3pm.
Who can get meals from Open Arms?
How much does your service cost?
For qualifying individuals, our services are completely free of charge. We are funded through a number of sources including individual donations, foundations, corporations, and public funds which allow us to provide our services free-of-cost.
How do I start getting meals from Open Arms?
Visit our Get Meals page to learn about our meals, check your eligibility, and submit an application.
What is the delivery area?
Our delivery area covers the Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs. If you live outside the delivery area and are interested in receiving meals, we have pick-up options, or can deliver the meals to an alternate address. Please see more information about our delivery area and alternative options for receiving meals HERE.
When are deliveries?
Meals are delivered once a week, on the same day each week, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Do you have reheating advice or instructions?
- The tray your meal comes in can ONLY be reheated in the oven up to 400 degrees F.
- Do NOT use a toaster oven to reheat your meals. This is a fire hazard.
- Puncture the film over each compartment or lift the film on all four corners.
- Microwave on HIGH for 3 to 6 minutes, removing halfway through to stir all compartments for even heating. Heat until components reach 165 degrees F. Allow to stand covered for 2 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Place the tray onto a baking or cookie sheet in the center of the oven, leaving the film intact.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through to 165 degrees F.
Do I have to be home?
Yes, you or someone else does need to be home to receive the food during the delivery window. This is in order to ensure food safety standards are maintained.
What if I have a doctor’s appointment during my regular delivery time?
If you have a doctor’s appointment during your meal delivery time, please call us to let us know as far in advance as possible. You will have the option to cancel your meals for that week, reschedule the delivery to a different day (where possible), or pick them up at our St. Paul or Minneapolis office.
What if I have a food allergy/diet restriction/swallowing problem?
We are happy to work with you to find a solution to your specific diet needs and offer several menus to choose from. If you have an allergy to certain foods, most often we will be able to accommodate. However, we are not an allergen-free facility and cannot guarantee that your meals will not come into brief contact with wheat and nut products. If you would like to discuss your diet needs, call 612-767-7333 and ask to speak with our Nutrition department.
Will you deliver on holidays?
We deliver Monday through Friday all year round, with a few exceptions. There are no regular deliveries on:
- New Year’s Day (January 1)
- Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
- Juneteenth (June 19)
- Independence Day (July 4)
- Labor Day (first Monday in September)
- Thanksgiving Day and the day after Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday and Friday of November)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
On days when there will be no regular deliveries because of a holiday, we will reschedule all client deliveries to a different day.
Will you deliver if there is a snowstorm?
Minnesota weather can be unpredictable. Even though the volunteers at Open Arms are committed to making sure our clients get their meals, sometimes we are unable to deliver. On such occasions, we will reschedule all client deliveries as soon as we are able.
Can I get meals for my kids, partner or caregiver?
We realize that a life-threatening illness affects not only you, but your entire family. Open Arms can provide additional meals for up to three additional people in your household.
Still have questions?
We are happy to answer any additional questions you may have. Please call 612-767-7333 and ask to speak with one of our Client Services associates.
