Meals On Wheels
Many older members of our communities suffer from chronic physical disabilities or illnesses such as severe arthritis and heart disease, or simply from advancing age. Disabilities make it difficult, if not impossible, for these individuals to plan nutritious meals, shop for food, or to physically prepare their own meals. Additionally, economic factors can play a part in putting seniors and families nutritionally at risk. Lutheran Service Society's Meals On Wheels program addresses these needs in a positive way.
We provide:
- Nutritious meals: The meals delivered on a daily basis represent more than 1/3 the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of calories for seniors.
- Affordable service: Contributions are requested to ensure the program is able to continue running, and consumers often feel more self-sufficient if they are able to contribute toward the cost of their meals. Sponsorships may be available for those unable to contribute towards the cost of their meal.
- Daily visitation: Trained volunteers making meal deliveries check on the consumer to ensure his or her wellness. Many times volunteers have saved consumers from extended hospitalization or even death due to this daily visit.
- Program referral: Consumers requesting additional assistance may qualify for other programs in Lutheran Service Society's network of care.
Availability of Meals
Hours and days of operation vary by location, but two meals are generally served each day, Monday through Friday, between 10:00 a.m. and Noon. At many sites frozen meals are available to cover the weekends and holidays.
Our program service area can be determined by searching for the town of residence using the search box at the top-right corner of this website. Or, you can visit our Meals On Wheels program directory, which lists the locations we serve through each of our program sites.
Payment
Consumers are asked for a small contribution to help cover the cost of the meals being provided, but with the help of grants and donations, we can serve anyone in need, regardless of their ability to contribute. The typical donation averages $20-$25 per week.
Program Eligibility
While the majority of Meals On Wheels recipients are elderly, there are no age requirements for adults to participate in Lutheran Service Society's Meals On Wheels program. However, other guidelines have been established to evaluate whether or not the program is suitable for meeting an individual's needs. To enroll in the program, an individual must demonstrate:
- The inability to plan, shop, and prepare nutritious, well-balanced meals, or meals that meet modified diet requirements, such as diabetic or low sodium.
- Some temporary or permanent physical or psychological impairment based on illness, disability, or advancing age.
- Lack of incentive to prepare meals due to depression, neglect, or other social or psychological factors.
- The unavailability of other support resources.
- The ability to otherwise live independently.