This post may contain affiliate links, and I will be compensated (at no extra cost to you) when you make a purchase by clicking on my links.
When you imagine a Meals on Wheels recipient, who do you see? Perhaps it’s a frail, impoverished woman in her 90s who never leaves her house.
Think again! Many people who could benefit from Meals on Wheels hesitate to sign up because of preconceived false ideas. Today I plan to dispel some of those myths and encourage more people to explore this excellent program.
Benefits of Meals on Wheels
Besides delivering nutritious meals, volunteer drivers provide safety checks for recipients. Brief social interactions also help recipients feel less lonely and isolated.
In addition, research at Brown University revealed other benefits of Meals on Wheels, including fewer falls and fewer hospitalizations.
It surprised me to learn that some Meals on Wheels programs also deliver pet food. This came about after volunteers discovered a few recipients were feeding part of their meals to pets when they couldn’t afford to buy pet food.
Eligibility
Each of the over 5000 Meals on Wheels programs in the U.S. is independently operated. So eligibility requirements vary by location.
It may surprise you to learn that I recently became eligible for Meals on Wheels. In my case, I plan to receive meals for several weeks until the most brutal part of my cancer treatment ends, and my energy and appetite return.
Some people also receive short-term meals to help them recover from surgery, accidents, or other temporary illnesses. Still others qualify for meals for several years as long as they live in their own homes.
To find details about services in your community, simply enter your zip code on the Meals on Wheels website.
Costs
Funding for Meals on Wheels services comes from a variety of sources. These include federal and local governments, fundraising projects, and individual donations.
In most cases, recipients of meals contribute whatever they can afford. Other locations may charge a small fixed fee.
My Experience
When I started chemotherapy, I felt as if someone flipped a switch and completely turned off my appetite. Eating became a chore. I’ve lost almost 30 pounds, and lab work shows I’m not getting enough protein.
Because of the overwhelming exhaustion caused by my treatments, I haven’t felt up to cooking meals. Instead, I reach for instant oatmeal, microwavable soups, and granola bars.
Having a hot, attractive meal delivered daily assures that I’ll get at least one nutritionally balanced meal every day. Dieticians coordinate the menus, and I’m impressed by the variety of the meals. While some programs provide only standard menus, others offer choices such as vegetarian, diabetic, or soft foods.
Consider Volunteering
Local Meals on Wheels organizations are always looking for volunteer drivers. After picking up meals at a centralized location, volunteers deliver them to recipients on a pre-determined route. You’ll use your personal vehicle in most cases, and you can expect to pass a background check.
Volunteers generally deliver meals over the lunch hour, and you can sign up for as many or as few shifts as you wish. While meal delivery usually happens Monday through Friday, there’s often the option for drivers to leave extra meals on Friday to cover the weekend.
Do you have experience with Meals on Wheels? I would love to see your thoughts in the comment section!
Willa says
Glad you had a positive experience. I did not. Sadly, that is not unique to my geographic location.
Summary: Tasteless, largely inedible, depressing fare
An agency offered me meals on wheels following my surgery. Seemed like a good idea at the time since I was not able to do much for myself. Wrong. The unseasoned, unflavored, low quality, bizarrely sauced glop neither provided nutrition nor healing. It depressed me as the days went by. At least I was sufficiently mobile that I was able to add condiments and flavor where I could and rinse the bad-tasting mystery sauces off the meat. Terrifies me that someday, I might not be able to do this in my future. I cancelled it. Wasn’t worth continuing it to only get usable small cartons of milk for coffee. Clients are charged a ‘donation’ for each meal. Some agencies will charge a sliding scale fee based on income, others do not.
If you are lucky, your town or agency may offer multiple monthly menus: hot meals, cold meals, or an ethnic menu.
The meals are delivered by autistic adults and their caretakers. It gives them a sense of purpose, but there’s no social interaction. At least it provides a client wellness check on the days they deliver.
Diane says
Hello Willa,
I’m so sorry your experience with Meals On Wheels was so bad. Is there a way you can provide feedback to the agency that referred you? The meals were such a blessing to me, and it should be that way for everyone.
Sandra Bowen says
Horrible disgusting food in Louisville Colorado
This rip off program needs to be stopped, the board members jailed
Of course you’re getting paid to sell this _______ program!
Diane says
Hello Sandra,
Thank you for your feedback. I’m surprised and saddened by your experience with Meals On Wheels. The program truly was a blessing for me when I was going through chemotherapy, and everyone deserves nutritious and flavorful meals. (And I’m not getting paid to promote the program!) If you’ve had no success expressing your concerns to your local Meals On Wheels representatives, you might want to contact the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture at (202) 720-2791.