Home-Delivered Meals
Our drivers provide a meal and a smile to eligible seniors. We offer a variety of menu options to meet individual tastes and needs. Nutritionally balanced, home-delivered meals are prepared locally in our Grandville kitchen. All of our meals are heart healthy and low in sodium. Eligible clients can receive up to two meals per day.
Meals are usually delivered Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 8:00am-1:00pm. Frozen meals come with heating instructions for both microwaves and ovens.
Am I Eligible?
Client Information & Qualifications:
- Must be 60 years of age or older
- Must live in Kent or Allegan County
- Must be homebound – homebound generally means the person does not leave their home unassisted on a regular basis.
- Must be able to be home at the time of delivery or notify us in advance if not
- Spouses or partners under 60, of eligible clients may qualify
- A person does not have to be low income to qualify
- Meals on Wheels Western Michigan checks up on everyone who does not come to the door for their delivery to make sure they are safe
Persons under the age of 60 or who otherwise don’t meet the above criteria can receive meals on a private pay fee basis. Please call for more information. 616-459-3111 ext. 0.
Types of Meals
Please note that menus are subject to change due to the availability of certain products at this time. Thank you for understanding.
HEARTY MEALS
Hearty meals are delivered frozen and ready to heat and enjoy at your convenience. Hearty meals typically contain an entree, two vegetables, bread, fruit, and milk. Meals come with heating instructions and can be heated in the microwave or a conventional oven. It is recommended that meals be thawed overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
MODIFIED MEALS
A variety of cut, minced and moist and pureed meals are available for those who have difficulty cutting meat, chewing, and/or swallowing.
Cold Meals
Our cold meals are delivered refrigerated and are meant to be consumed within a short period of time. These meals are a sandwich or salad and are a lighter meal than our normal Hearty offering.
SPECIAL DIETS
We do not have specific diet plans, but our Meal of Choice menu has nutrition information listed for common nutrients such as calories, protein, carbohydrates and sodium. This allows a client the ability to choose the meals that are suited for their dietary needs.
CHOICE PROGRAM
Our Meal of Choice program allows recipients to choose which meals they would like each week off a special menu. This program is great for those whose medical conditions dictate certain food choices, and for those who would simply like to have control over which meals are delivered to them each week. This plan allows for a person’s favorite meals to be delivered in multiple quantities, if desired. This menu also lists each meal’s nutritional information and offers our lowest sodium meal options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I qualify for Meals on Wheels service?
1. You must be 60 years of age or older
2. Live in Kent or Allegan county
3. Be considered Homebound. Homebound means that you must have difficulty leaving your home un-assisted on a regular basis. You must also have difficulty preparing meals and independently grocery shopping.
How do I donate if I am able?
We accept donations via Check, Credit Card, and Bridge Card (food stamps). You can donate on our website by clicking here, mail in a check to our office, or donate with a credit card or bridge card over the phone.
How do I get signed up for Meals on Wheels?
The quickest way to sign up for services is to fill out an online application. Click here to fill out an online application. One of our In-Home Services Specialists will do their best to get back to you within one business day. You can also call our office at (616) 459-3111 and push 1. Please leave a message requesting a call back and we will return calls in the order they were received.
Do you deliver every day of the week?
No, our delivery days vary based on location. Most routes are delivered on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. For instance, if you receive 7 meals per week, you will receive two on Monday, two on Wednesday, and three on Friday. Some parts of our county are only delivered to one day a week. In that case, all the meals for the week are delivered on one day.
What if I miss a delivery and forgot to notify you?
If there is no answer at your door at the time of delivery, no meals will be delivered that day and we will try to reach you or your emergency contacts to make sure you are safe. We are unable to replace those meals so please make arrangements ahead of time if you are not going to be home.
What if I don’t eat certain foods?
Our Meal of Choice menu plan is best for those with specific food preferences and/or religious observations.
Do you have modified meals for those with difficulties chewing, swallowing, or cutting their food?
Yes, we offer three types of meals for those facing these challenges.
1. Cut meals- for those with difficulty using a fork and knife to cut their food
2. Minced & Moist Meals – for those with difficulty chewing their food. These meals come ground.
3. Pureed meals- for those with difficulty swallowing their food
Do you provide liquid supplements like Ensure?
Yes, we do offer Ensure and Ensure Plus at a discounted price for those that are low income, live in Kent or Allegan county, and have a doctor’s prescription stating it’s medically necessary. Please click here to learn more.
How much does it cost?
As long as you meet the eligibility criteria, there is no cost for the program, however we do ask for donations. Clients receive a monthly donation statement requesting $3.00 per meal delivered, but there is never anything “due”. We work on a give what you can, when you can, and if you can basis. All donations are used to provide additional meals and help us serve everyone who needs us.
Will my service be stopped if I cannot afford to donate?
No! We will never stop your service if you cannot afford to donate. We encourage all meal recipients to stay on the program if it is helpful for them.
Can I receive Meals on Wheels on a temporary basis?
Yes! We are happy to provide services on a temporary basis. These reasons often include helping those recover after a hospital admittance or surgery, while a caregiver might not be available, and during the winter when mobility is more greatly impacted.
What do I do if I can’t be home for delivery?
Please call and let us know. We are happy to drop meals at a neighbor’s home or put the meals away for you as long as we are given enough advanced notice (generally two business day). We CANNOT leave meals outside or in a cooler. Please do not ask your driver to do so as this can put their job in jeopardy.
What types of meals do you offer?
We offer a pre-planned monthly Hearty meal plan or participants can choose to utilize our Meal Choice program. Our meal plan menus can be viewed at the top of this page.
Do you offer special meal plans for those with dietary requirements like diabetes?
We do not have specific diet plans, but our Meal of Choice menu has nutrition information listed for common nutrients such as calories, protein, carbohydrates and sodium. This allows a client the ability to choose the meals that are suited for their dietary needs.
Are you able to control for allergies I might have?
Due to the complexity of food allergies we do not currently accommodate them.
Are there any other requirements for being on Meals on Wheels?
Yes, they are listed below:
1. You must be home to accept your meals. on a regular basis. If you will not be home, we expect to be informed ahead of time.
2. You must meet with an In-Home Services Assessor in your home within two weeks of starting services and then every six-months after.
3. You must sign our consent form and food allergy waiver once a year.
Get Started!
