Meals On Wheels Program - Home Delivered Meals

With the aging of the U.S. population, increased attention is being given to delivering health and related services to older persons in the community. Since adequate nutrition is critical to health, functioning, and the quality of life, it is an important component of home and community-based services for older people.

 

The Elderly Nutrition Program provides for congregate and home-delivered meals - commonly known as "Meals on Wheels." Meals served under the program provides at least one-third of the daily-recommended dietary allowances established by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences-National Research Council. In practice, the Elderly Nutrition Program participants are receiving an estimated 40 to 50 percent of most required nutrients.

 

The Meals on Wheels are packaged along with the meals, milk and an assortment of other food items which are delivered by volunteers on a bi-weekly basis to individual homes throughout Washington County. The Meals on Wheels package contains a two week supply of food items which equates to one chilled or frozen meal a day along with various other goods to eligible seniors.

 

Eligibility for Meals On Wheels

60 yrs of age, unable to safely prepare his/her own meal, unable to participate in a congregate nutrition program, lack support or help with meals, or be a spouse of an eligible client. Income is not considered as an eligibility indicator when applying. There is no charge. However we do accept donations.

 

Congregate And Holiday Meals

 

The Washington County Florida Council on Aging utilizes staff and volunteers to prepare nutritious hot lunches Monday thru Friday. For many recipients the warm smile and friendly greeting that comes with the meal is just as nourishing as the meal itself. The congregate meal program provides the chance for seniors to have a casual lunch where plenty of new friends and conversation can be made with their peers.

 

The WCCOA also provides qualifying seniors with holiday dinners. The holiday dinners are nutritious, tasty and cooked with the best ingredient of all, "a touch of love."