Meals on Wheels (MOW)

What is Meals on Wheels? Click for Brochure

Client Menu: January 2019

The Broome County Office for Aging’s Meals on Wheels program is a home-delivered meal service available to eligible seniors who are unable to regularly prepare healthy meals for themselves. Meals are delivered Monday through Friday by caring volunteers who check on participants each day.  Participants overwhelmingly report a better sense of well-being and independence as a result of receiving Meals on Wheels. 

How are the Meals delivered and what can I expect?

Each weekday you will receive a hot meal for lunch and a cold bag which will contain items for a light supper, such as sandwich items, fruit, juice, and a dessert. Bread and milk are also provided. Our meals are prepared to meet 2/3 of dietary requirements. Meals are designed to be heart healthy as they are controlled to be lower in sodium and fat. Special diets, such as NCS for diabetics or Mechanical Soft for those who have trouble chewing or swallowing are available.

Nutrition Counseling

A dietician is available to answer questions you may have about your diet. The dietician can help guide you on ways to best plan your Meals on Wheels into your special diet needs. The dietician can be contacted by calling 607-778-2411.

Sponsors

The nutrition program is sponsored by the U.S. Administration on Aging, the NYS Office for Aging and the Wellness in Nutrition Program , Broome County, and participant contributors.

Things to Remember About Meal Delivery

• We cannot deliver a meal to your home unless someone is there to receive it. Meals cannot be left unattended because of possible food spoilage and/or contamination. No exceptions can be made.
• You are responsible to make your home safe for the volunteer to deliver your meal. This includes, but is not limited to, confining pets. Failure to do this will result in the cancellation of meal service.

Questions and Concerns

For more information about Meals on Wheels, or for information on becoming a volunteer, please call our office at 778-2411.

Individuals whose income is at or above 185% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines are asked to contribute at an amount that represents the actual costs of the meals. You are asked to contribute at this rate if your monthly household income is more than $1,815 and you live alone; or if you live in a household of two and your monthly income exceeds $2,456.  No one shall be denied a meal due to an inability or unwillingness to contribute.

Meals on Wheels Gazette 

A monthly newsletter published for Meals on Wheels clients which contains nutrition and health information.