Meals on Wheels

By Carol Higgins Taylor
    Be prepared: I am about to make you hungry.
    How does chicken pot pie with mashed potatoes, green beans and dinner roll sound? How about roast pork with gravy, red potatoes, peas, and good ole whoopee pies? Then there are the Maine standards of boiled dinners and macaroni and cheese.
    So just where can you get these mouth-watering meals, if you are 60 years old or older, homebound, are unable to prepare your own food or do not have access to nutritious meals?
    Meals on Wheels — a program of Eastern Area Agency on Aging — is the answer.

    “Meals on Wheels meals are delivered frozen and then may be microwaved or baked by the senior. This gives them the flexibility to eat when they’d like to as opposed to having a hot meal delivered at noon,” said Rob Crone, director of nutrition and auxiliary services at EAAA. “These meals are all inclusive, are delicious and are certified to provide one-third of the Dietary Reference Index requirements.”
    This program ensures that seniors have access to highly nutritious food, which is critical considering that seniors, who are isolated in their own homes, may be lunching on cookies and tea.
    “Times are definitely hard; and with food costs soaring, seniors are apt to eat the cheapest fare possible, often sweets and junk food. This is typically all they can afford, instead of the pricier but more nutritious foods,” added Crone. “Meals on Wheels fill in the gap with highly nutritious meals that taste great and are easy to prepare. Just heat and eat.”
    One of the myths that EAAA has battled for decades is that Meals on Wheels is only for seniors who are low-income. It is frustrating, said Crone, because people who may want or need the program don’t use it because they think it is for the poor.
    Crone is quick to dispel the erroneous conception by reminding everyone that the only requirements necessary to receive Meals on Wheels is being homebound, can’t prepare a meal and has no one to help.
    “Anyone, who meets the criteria, regardless of income or assets, can participate in the Meals on Wheels program, in fact we encourage it,” said Crone. “EAAA’s main goal is to help improve a senior’s quality of life. Good nutrition goes a long way to achieving that goal.”
    Meals on Wheels goes even farther to support the nutritional health of its clients. The program provides specialty meals, such as those designed to be clinically low sodium, and carbohydrate balanced. Pureed and gluten free meals are also available.
    While there is not a specific charge for the program, the regulations require that a donation is requested.
    “We are actually required by law to ask patrons to contribute toward the cost of the meal, so our suggested donation is $4 per meal,” said Crone.
    Meals on Wheels is a great help to caregivers as well. Just knowing that an aging parent is eating a healthy meal, at least once a day, can take away a bit of the worry that adult children go through.
    It’s easy to get on board. Just call Eastern Area Agency on Aging and ask for Meals on Wheels. The friendly staff will get you or your loved one on the right to better nutrition. It’s important to note as well, that all of the menus have been approved by a registered dietitian.
    “Good nutrition is critical to good health,” said Crone. “And that’s what this program is all about, helping seniors be as healthy as they can be.”
    For a complete menu to scour in search of your favorite dishes, call EAAA and a menu will be sent to you.
    Bon appétit!
    Carol Higgins Taylor is an advocate for seniors and owns Bryant Street Public Relations in Bangor. Email her at 4chtaylor@gmail.com.