Eligibility for Home-Delivered Meals
- 60 years old and above or disabled if under 60
- Homebound and unable to prepare nutritious meals for oneself
Cost
The cost of the meal program to participants is based on their income and necessary expenses.
- In 2021, Meals on Wheels Rowan will provide free meals to 90 individuals who do not have sufficient financial resources to contribute to the cost of their meals.
- Care Coordinators use the participants' financial information and a sliding scale ranging from $2-$7 per meal to determine the participant's monthly meal program cost.
- The Meal Program Cost is $9 per meal.
Meal Delivery
Usually, meals are delivered five days each week between the hours of 10:30am and 12:30pm. Participants must be home to receive their meals.
During the pandemic, volunteers deliver three chilled boxed meals each Monday and two chilled boxed meals each Thursday.
- Each meal box is labled with the menu for the days and a consume by date.
- All meals should be refrigerated upon receipt.
- Each meal consists of one "hot" tray and one "cold" tray.
- Participants reheat their "hot" tray in the mocrowave when they are ready to eat.
Nutrition
Each meal contains 1/3rd of the minimum daily nutritional requirements for senior adults.
- One 3-4 oz. servings of protein
- Two 1/3 cup servings of vegetables
- Two 1/3 cup servings of fruit
- One 1 1/2 - 2 oz. serving of grains (may be served as rice, pasta, bread, or dessert)
- 8 oz of 2% milk to fulfill the Daily Requirement
To meet national and state standards, each meal contains
- At least 700 calories
- Less than 1300 mg of sodium
- Less than 30% of its calories from fat
General Meal Information and specialty Meals
- Our meals are diabetic friendly as there is no added sugar.
- Our meals contain no added salt. Participants are free to add salt as advised by their doctor.
- We use few spices such as garlic and onion to limit digestive issues.
- Currently, we do not provide diabetic or renal meals.
Special Additions to our Home-Delivered Meals Programs
Meals on Wheels partners with various organizations, churches, and groups to offer additional items to our meal participants.
When available, we provide:
- Daily Newspapers
- Birthday Bags
- Seasonal/Holiday Favors and Cards
- Fresh Produce
- Bottled Water
- Emergency Meals
- Electric Fans
- Over-the-Counter Medications
- Educational flyers on Health and Nutrition
- Information on various agencies who offer assistance to the elderly
- Pet Food & Basic Vet Care for our meal recipients' pet companions through our AniMEALS Pet Food Program.
Click the link above for more information on AniMEALS.