Meals on Wheels
So Much More Than a Meal
About Meals on Wheels (MOW)
Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency has partnered with the National Meals on Wheels Organization to offer Northwest Michigan seniors Meals on Wheels. This program delivers more than nutritious daily meals to our frail, homebound seniors, who struggle to prepare their daily food as well as often face isolation. Moreover, we are devoted to providing compassion and companionship. Furthermore we provide seniors peace of mind that ensures them that they are cared for. Above all, we strive to nourish both body and soul in Leelanau, Grand Traverse, Missaukee, and Wexford counties. By focusing on their well-being, we bring connection and comfort to those who need it most.
Specifically, Meals on Wheels provides frozen meals delivered weekly. Malnutrition and poor nutrition happen frequently in the elderly population. Additionally, these well-balanced meals fulfill one-third of a senior’s daily nutritional needs, designed to be their main meal. Meals are also available for spouses, allowing them to eat together, thus supporting caregivers’ health. Most importantly, you can explore the Meals on Wheels Senior Luncheon schedule, which changes monthly, so be sure to see what we are serving.
Why Choose Meals on Wheels
Truly, our Meals on Wheels team proudly upholds the high standards set by both Meals on Wheels and the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency. Moreover, we’re excited to share how this program has positively impacted other community members and how it could benefit you as well. Furthermore you can browse more information below by clicking on the tabs. Lastly, if you have any questions or are ready to sign-up, please feel free to call us.
Vital Nutrition
1 in 7 seniors face food insecurity, malnutrition as well as poor nutrition. Without a doubt, these issues occur frequently in the elderly population. Furthermore, lack of proper nutrition over long periods of time can cause multiple health issues. As a result of this, Meals on Wheels dedicates themselves to serving seniors with well-balanced meals, meant to be their main meal of the day. Additionally, caregiving spouses also receive meals because seniors are more likely to maintain good nutrition when they do not eat alone. This results in caregivers maintaining their own health. Our meals are prepared in a professional kitchen. The meals are delicious, nutritious and approved by a professional dietician to make sure our seniors receive everything they need.
Physical Health
Without a doubt, drivers deliver Meals on Wheels with love. Just as important as the meals, attentive, caring and compassionate drivers provide much needed personal contact, delivering smiles, friendship, a feeling that people care, a daily safety check as well as peace of mind for seniors and their families. In fact, drivers are often the only people that clients may see for days at a time. As a result, that friendship can be a lifesaver. In fact, drivers have called 911 on many occasions.
Independence
When choosing Meals on Wheels you’ll experience a team of knowledgeable staff that complete comprehensive in-home assessments every six months. Additionally, they will ensure that Meals on Wheels is meeting seniors’ needs as well as make referrals for other services. Above all, our goal is to help seniors be safe, healthy, and independent to remain in their own homes, where 85% of seniors prefer to be.
Meals on Wheels Community Impact
Our Seniors Matter to Us
163,825 well-balanced Meals on Wheels “and so much more than a meal” were delivered to:
1,116 homebound seniors
23,079 meals were served to:
798 active seniors at Dining Senior Style” luncheon sites providing fun, food, and friendship
What Clients Said about Meals on Wheels
99%
Clients said it made it easier to live independently
99%
Clients said it made it easier to maintain a well-balanced diet
82%
Clients said they, their friends or family felt after as a result of visits from their Meals on Wheels driver
93%
Clients said it made it easier to maintain or gain weight
Our Mission:
Meals on Wheels of NMCAA improves the health and quality of life of vulnerable homebound seniors by delivering vital nutrition, compassionate visits, and safety checks, enabling the seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity in Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Missaukee and Wexford Counties.
Collaborating Through Partnership with Meals on Wheels America
Meals on Wheels of NMCAA is proud to be a Meals on Wheels America affiliate. While we are affiliated to the national organization, we are locally operated, and all donation and funds raised through this website stay local.
Meals on Wheels Volunteers
Home Delivered Meal Volunteers
Volunteer opportunities exist Monday through Friday delivering meals. All it requires is 2-hours per week. You can volunteer on a regular basis or be a sub-driver.
All it takes is contacting one of our volunteer coordinators, setting up a short training, and you’ll be on your way to a fulfilling adventure. We welcome caring individuals or couples with a reliable vehicle—join us and make a difference today!
Dining Senior Style Luncheon Site Volunteers:
Furthermore, luncheon sites can only operate with the help of senior volunteers. Nonetheless there are numerous opportunities to get involved. Duties may include services such as:
- Setting Tables
- Serving Food
- Registration
- Host or Hostess
- Clean-up
More Than Just a Meal
About Meals on Wheels (MOW)
Why Choose Meals on Wheels
Truly, our Meals on Wheels team proudly upholds the high standards set by both Meals on Wheels and the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency. Moreover, we’re excited to share how this program has positively impacted other community members and how it could benefit you as well. Furthermore you can browse more information below by clicking on the tabs. Lastly, if you have any questions or are ready to sign-up, please feel free to call us.
Caring and compassionate Drivers
In fact, home bound seniors often suffer from isolation, depression as well as loneliness. Without a doubt meals are important, but we provide more. For instance, volunteers are caring and compassionate drivers that connect with our seniors daily and deliver smiles. They provide friendship, a feeling that people care about them, a daily safety check, as well as peace of mind for the clients and their families.
“So many of our clients are by themselves. For them, we deliver more than food; there’s compassion and companionship that is another kind of nourishment. It shows someone outside their family cares for them. It’s especially important when families are spread out. It reminds me of a culture from years ago where people looked out for each other. Without Meals on Wheels, I don’t know who would pick up the slack, and I know where people would end up; they fear the facility.”
-Bob Wilson, Meals on Wheels Volunteer driver for 19 years, with a client.
Independence
When choosing Meals on Wheels you’ll experience a team of knowledgeable staff that complete comprehensive in-home assessments every six months. Additionally, they will ensure that Meals on Wheels is meeting seniors’ needs as well as make referrals for other services. Above all, our goal is to help seniors be safe, healthy, and independent to remain in their own homes, where 85% of seniors prefer to be.
Vital Nutrition
1 in 7 seniors face food insecurity, malnutrition as well as poor nutrition. Without a doubt, these issues occur frequently in the elderly population. Furthermore, lack of proper nutrition over long periods of time can cause multiple health issues. As a result of this, Meals on Wheels dedicates themselves to serving seniors with well-balanced meals, meant to be their main meal of the day. Additionally, caregiving spouses also receive meals because seniors are more likely to maintain good nutrition when they do not eat alone. This results in also so caregivers can maintain their own health. In summary, we provide delicious, nutritious meals are delivered Monday through Friday, including meals for the weekend.
Physical Health
Without a doubt, drivers deliver Meals on Wheels with love. Just as important as the meals, attentive, caring and compassionate drivers provide much needed personal contact, delivering smiles, friendship, a feeling that people care, a daily safety check as well as peace of mind for seniors and their families. In fact, drivers are often the only people that clients may see for days at a time. As a result, that friendship can be a lifesaver. In fact, drivers have called 911 on many occasions.
Collaborating Through Partnership with Meals on Wheels America
163,825 well-balanced Meals on Wheels “and so much more than a meal” were delivered to:
1,116 homebound seniors
23,079 meals were served
798 active seniors at “Dining Senior Style” luncheon sites providing fun, food, and friendship.
Meals on Wheels Community Impact
Our Seniors Matter to Us
What Clients Said about Meals on Wheels
99%
Clients say it made it easier to live independently
99%
Clients say it made it easier to maintain a well-balanced diet
82%
Clients say they, their friends or family felt after as a result of visits from their Meals on Wheels driver
93%
Clients say it made it easier to maintain or gain weight
Our Mission:
Meals on Wheels of NMCAA improves the health and quality of life of vulnerable homebound seniors by delivering vital nutrition, compassionate visits, and safety checks, enabling the seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity in Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Missaukee and Wexford Counties.
Additional Information
Qualifications for Meals on Wheels
What are the eligibility criteria for clients to receive Meals on Wheels?
- Firstly, be 60+ years old or the spouse of someone 60+ years of age.
- Additionally, be unable to leave the home under normal circumstances.
- Moreover, be unable to prepare meals or obtain food.
- Furthermore, be unable to dine at a Senior Luncheon Center.
- Also, have no person available who is able as well as willing to prepare all meals.
- In addition, being able to feed yourself.
- Additionally, be home when meals are delivered.
- Finally, be available for in-home assessments to ensure that Meals on Wheels meets your needs as well as connects you with community resources to help keep you safe, healthy, and independent.
Meals on Wheels Volunteers
Undeniably, we need your help! Without a doubt, volunteers are the heartbeat of this program, making everything possible. In fact, your involvement is crucial, and you’ll find volunteering for Meals on Wheels incredibly rewarding. Furthermore, opportunities exist Monday through Friday, delivering meals with just a 2-hour commitment per week. Whether you prefer a regular weekly schedule or want to be a substitute driver, there’s a spot for you.
All it takes is contacting one of our volunteer coordinators, setting up a short training, and you’ll be on your way to a fulfilling adventure. We welcome caring individuals or couples with a reliable vehicle—join us and make a difference today!
Dining Senior Style Luncheon Site Volunteers:
Furthermore, luncheon sites can only operate with the help of senior volunteers. Excitingly, there are numerous opportunities to get involved. Duties may include services such as:
- Setting Tables
- Serving Food
- Registration
- Host or Hostess
- Clean-up
Contact The Meals on Wheels Team
We’re one click away. Just click one of the hyperlinks for your location and we are more than happy to connect with you and help you with questions, comments, or concerns. Our team is here to support you!
Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties: Call, press 1
Wexford and Missaukee County: Call
The toll-free number for the Senior Nutrition Program throughout the four-county area: Call
Food Programs
Guided by the commitment to fight hunger in our community, NMCAA supports individuals who need food assistance through monthly distribution and senior nutrition programs.
Food Programs
Guided by the commitment to fight hunger in our community, NMCAA supports individuals who need food assistance through monthly distribution and senior nutrition programs.
