Nutrition – Meals on Wheels and Dining Centers
Meals on Wheels
Popularly known as “Meals-on-Wheels”, this federally sponsored home delivered meal service is a national program administered locally to deliver well-balanced, lunchtime meals to frail, homebound individuals who are at least 60 years of age. Elders are asked to make a $3.00* donation per meal to help defray the cost of the meal.
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Elder Services delivers hot lunches to elders living in Auburn, Barre, Boylston, Grafton, Hardwick, Holden, Leicester, Millbury, New Braintree, Oakham, Paxton, Rutland, Shrewsbury, West Boylston, and Worcester. Meals are delivered Monday-Friday and include regular hot meals, modified meals for diabetics, supper meals and frozen meals, depending upon a client’s needs. Kosher and therapeutic meals are available in the City of Worcester, frozen therapeutic meals are available in all towns.
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For information about Meals on Wheels contact Elder Services of Worcester Area’s Information & Referral Department at 508-756-1545.
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Dining Center Meals
Located in senior centers, elder complexes, and other convenient places, dining centers are locations where people aged 60 and over can enjoy good food and good company. Participants receive a nutritious noon meal and have the opportunity to socialize and make new acquaintances. Participants are asked to make a $3.00* donation per meal to help defray the cost of the meal.
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Gift Certificates available; 5 Lunches for $15.00. To find out how to make a reservation or order Gift Certificates, call Elder Services of Worcester Area’s Nutrition Program at 508-852-3205.
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Nutrition Program Weather Policy
If the Nutrition Program is cancelled because of inclement weather (e.g. snow or icy conditions) the cancellation will be announced as “Elder Services of Worcester Meals on Wheels and Dining Centers are closed” on WTAG 580 AM, WSRS 96.1 FM and WXLO 104.5 FM radio stations. Cancellations are also posted on Boston WHDH television channel 7 and WCVB TV, channel 5.
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If you are on social media, weather related cancellations are also posted by 9am on ESWA’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Nextdoor, and LinkedIn pages.
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You may also call the Nutrition Office at (508) 852-3205 after 8:00 a.m. for cancellation information.
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Cancellation information is also posted on www.eswa.org by 9:00 am
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Volunteer
Volunteers are essential in the operation of the Meals on Wheels and Dining Center Programs.
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Click here for more information about ESWA’s volunteer opportunities.
What people are saying about the Nutrition Program
Meals on Wheels:
- (With Meals on Wheels) I can stay at my home without having to go to a nursing home.
- My Uncle gets MOW and if it wasn’t for the MOW driver who brought his meal and found him slumped over the kitchen table that morning, he may not be alive today. My Uncle is 96 years old and blind. The MOW driver found him and called 911 and then called me, I went there and he was really in a bad way. I am so thankful for the MOW driver. He is a very kind and caring man, I thank everybody for their kindness.
- I can go 14 days and not see another human other than my driver. My friends are busy with their families now and people forget I don’t have one. My driver means a lot to me, helps with depression.
- Prevents me from going to bed hungry.
- (Meals on Wheels) helps me to eat a good nutritious meal.
- I cannot cook, if I did not have the meals I would not have anything to eat.
- (Meals on Wheels) helps me eat the food I am supposed to be eating.
- The food is very good and it gives me contact with the outside world.
- (With Meals on Wheels) I try new foods.
- I don’t cook for myself so without meals on wheels I ate completely wrong and it affected my health.
- Somedays I only drink water, take my meds, and eat the MOW. It is my only hot meal most days. With three major diseases (Parkinson’s, Kidney, and Thyroid) and others as yet undiscovered, the MOW program provides a boost to my health, wellness, and dignity
- (Meals on Wheels provides) Portion control.
- Before receiving meals on wheels I didn’t eat lunch, I only ate breakfast and supper.
- (Without Meals on Wheels) I would have gone hungry.
- Every day I get out of bed only because the van is coming. Because of serious depression, I would stay in bed all day! Bless this program and ALL involved!
- (Meals on Wheels) Helps me save money on my food budget.
- First, it helps me to get up and dressed in the morning. Secondly, I have trouble remembering to eat and drink and with your service, I plan my day around eating the meal. When hungry, I always grab something easy (usually junk food). With your delivery, I always have a good dessert. Thanks so much!
– Meals on Wheels quality assurance survey respondents
Attending the Dining Center…
- Keeps me alive.
- I have diabetes. The meals fit in my blood readings for the day. I do better when I have lunch your at the senior center.
- Helps maintain my weight.
- I just moved here and needed to make friends. Our meal site manager made me feel very welcome and introduced me to others.
- Helps maintain my blood pressure
- Provides portion control.
- It provides a scheduled nutritional plan that is consistent, simple and accommodating.
- Saves money.
- I eat less fast food.
- Is usually my biggest meal of the day.
- Helps me eat a balanced diet
- I’ve been ill/handicapped and they’ve made life easier for me. Cooking tires me out.
- I try different foods I wouldn’t normally eat!
Dining Center quality assurance survey respondents
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*The donation is anonymous and voluntary; any amount you can contribute is appreciated. As always, no eligible senior will be denied service based on their income or their ability to make a donation. We thank you for your continued support and generosity!
¿Por qué comidas al domicilio?
