Allegan County Senior Millage Home Delivered Meals

In partnership with Allegan County, Meals on Wheels Western Michigan provides Home Delivered Meals for seniors throughout Allegan County. Get answers to frequently asked questions below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I haven't received food from Meals on Wheels yet?

If you have not received meals or a call from us about your meals, it is probably because we do not have your current information. Please call us at 616-459-3111 ext 815 with your current phone number, address, and who we should call in an emergency.

How many meals will I receive?
  • Everyone is started with the number of meals you received from the other provider. Please note that not all information we received is accurate. 
  • If you ever do not have enough food or run out of food please tell your driver or call us immediately!

When we are able to contact you we will discuss your needs.  We have provided as few as 3 meals per week up to as many as 14 meals per week depending on the individual need. 

How often are deliveries made?
  • Deliveries are made as frequently as needed to ensure those who are extremely isolated can receive deliveries as often as five days per week, Monday through Friday.
  • Each client’s schedule is determined with them. Some prefer only once per week because of medical appointments.  Others may get multiple deliveries per week.
  • An assessment is conducted for each client, where we discuss scheduling. We are still working on completing the assessments.
Can I choose my meals?
  • Yes, choosing your meals is an option. This is where our Choice Meals Menu shines, offering over 30 healthy meals with something for everyone. About ¾ of our clients like to choose their meals.
  • If you prefer to choose your meals, you may change your order weekly. Two business days’ notice is needed to complete the change.
  • If you don’t want to choose your meals, that’s ok too. About 1/4 of our clients prefer to have a rotating meal delivery.
Do you have milk options?
  • We offer a half pint serving of 2%, Skim, Chocolate, or Soy Milk with each meal unless you tell us you don’t drink/want milk
  • Milk is provided in both half pints and half gallons, depending on the number of meals you receive
  • Chocolate and soy are only available in half pints
  • Is the milk frozen or powdered? No, the milk is not frozen or powdered except in the blizzard boxes we give in case of emergency (during harsh winters or closures)
Why are the meals provided frozen?

All meals are frozen (except side items like fruit and milk) for a few reasons:
• Meals on Wheels Western Michigan has provided meals for over 40 years. Over time, it became apparent that clients often did not consume the meals when they were delivered, often refrigerating or freezing them for dinner or the weekend.
• Freezing preserves quality and vital nutrients such as Vitamin C
• Clients were frequently not home to receive their meal hot. 
• Clients not near the beginning of a route would not receive food hot.
• Clients began asking for our frozen weekend meals during the week.
• The clients often didn’t like some of the meals.
• Meal choices had become an industry focus and ¾ of the people we serve want to decide what they eat.
• The only way to offer a choice is to have an inventory of meals for clients to choose from.

How do I reheat the meals?

Meals can be heated in the microwave or a conventional oven. Instructions are provided on the label on each meal. 

What if I can’t heat up a meal?

Please tell your driver or call us immediately! We will work with you on a plan to heat your meals.

What if I don’t have a microwave?
  • MOWWM has generous donors who allow us to provide a microwave for anyone who does not have one and cannot afford it.
  • If you do not have a working microwave and cannot purchase a new one please tell your driver or call the office.
  • Meals can also be heated in a conventional oven if desired.
What if I don’t like certain foods?

Everyone has their own preferences! That’s why our Choice Meals let clients choose specific meals to fit their personal tastes.

Do you have meal options for seniors who have difficulty chewing, swallowing, or cutting their food?

We do! MOWWM offers three types of meals to address these challenges. They include:

  • Cut Meals – These come precut for those who may have difficulty using a fork and knife to slice their food.
  • Minced & Moist Meals – These meals come ground for those who may have difficulty chewing their food.
  • Pureed Meals – These meals come pureed for those who may have difficulty swallowing their food.
Do you offer special meal plans for people with dietary restrictions due to conditions like diabetes, heart disease, etc.?

While we don’t offer specific plans for medical conditions, our Choice Meals include nutritional information next to each menu option. This includes information about calories, protein, carbohydrates, sodium, and other nutrients so clients can choose meals that are best suited for their individual dietary needs. Our Registered Dietitian is also available to provide counseling on what meals best suit your needs and preferences. You can see our current Choice Meal Program menu by visiting this page.

I can’t eat certain foods due to my religion or personal creed. Is there an option for me?

There is! Our Choice Meals are designed to let each client pick the meals they’d like to receive, which means you can select options that fit your needs.

What if I have food allergies?

We are not currently able to accommodate meals for those with severe food allergies or intolerances.