Meals on Wheels
Meals On Wheels is more than food on the table. It is the knock at the door that says someone cares. The program provides individuals aged 60 and older with a nutritious meal, wellness check, and social contact. It is the knock at the door that says someone cares.
Why?
The Meals on Wheels service is designed to help seniors maintain their independence as they face nutritional, financial, physical, or emotional hardships. The service addresses food insecurity, reduces hunger, and promotes a healthy diet. Volunteers or meal delivery drivers deliver lunchtime meals. The meals and interaction with the delivery person often enable seniors to continue living in our communities.
What are they like?
Paid drivers and volunteers deliver five meals per week, Monday – Thursday. Thursday’s meal includes a frozen meal for Friday. The meals provide 1/3 of the daily nutrition requirements for persons aged 60+. Due to dietary concerns, no salt is added to the meals.
Who is eligible?
Caddo Parish residents 60 years or older who are homebound, living alone, and have physical disabilities that prevent them from preparing an adequate nutritional meal and do not have the support of family and friends daily.
How much will it cost?
There is no charge for the service. No one is denied a meal because they do not contribute towards the cost. A $25 weekly donation to Meals on Wheels assists in maintaining the current service level.
Is there a waiting list for this program?
Yes, there is a very long waiting list for this program.
Volunteers are needed.
Individuals, organizations, or businesses are always needed Monday – Thursday before noon to assist with meal delivery. It takes about an hour once a week for volunteers to deliver the meals. In the words of one volunteer, “I started volunteering to give back, but I keep volunteering because it is rewarding!” We’re ready when you are! Call Monica Wright at (318) 676-7900 for more information.
If you receive Meals on Wheels or are thinking about them for yourself or a family member, here are a few guidelines:
Food Handling:
Because of safety concerns, meal drivers are asked not to leave a meal when no one is home. Recipients are asked to eat the lunch when it is delivered.
Emergency Food:
Meals on Wheels is not an emergency service. Sometimes cancellations of delivery are necessary due to unsafe conditions.
Length of time receiving meals:
The Meals on Wheels program depends on you to let us know about changes in your condition that might alter your eligibility for Meals on Wheels. If at any time you no longer need the meals, please let us know. Annual assessments are required of current recipients.
Please join us:
The Council On Aging, Inc. provides community meals throughout Caddo Parish. We hope your health improves so you can join other seniors at one of the congregate meal sites. Transportation may be available.
THE COMMUNITY NEED IS GREAT AND INFLATION AFFECTS OUR ABILITY TO MAINTAIN THE NEEDED SERVICE LEVEL.
Not only is the meal essential to the senior, but the daily contact of a senior with the meal driver is vital to their well-being. Please help us support Meals on Wheels and our seniors by donating to the:
Meals on Wheels Program
c/o Caddo Council on Aging
1700 Buckner St., Suite 240
Shreveport, LA 71101