Meals on Wheels

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, Manistee, Missaukee, as well as 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; although, this is dependent on the delivery address. Concerning, malnutrition and poor nutrition, it affects 15-50% of 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.

• Caring and Compassionate Drivers
• Independence
• Vital Nutrition
• Compassion and Security
• Collaborating Through Partnership
• Meals on Wheels Community Impact
• Additional Information
• Qualifications and Eligibility
• Volunteer
• Contact Us or Donate

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 caregivers maintaining their own health. In summary, we provide delicious, nutritious meals that 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 to: 

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 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.

Additional Information

Client Suggested Donations

Each meal costs an average of $8.03 to serve. However, eligible seniors are encouraged to contribute $4.00 per meal. Moreover, we do not deny service to anyone due to an inability to contribute. Additionally, all donations directly fund additional meals, which helps reduce the need for waiting lists.

Methods of Service

Frozen meals arrive once per week, meeting clients’ needs and location. These meals serve as the main meal of the day. However, because funding for Meals on Wheels isn’t always sufficient, not every eligible senior receives meals. Additionally, availability may vary, so some qualified individuals might not get the meals they need.

Short Term Needs

Short term options are available for instance, many people receive Meals on Wheels for a week or two following hospitalization.

Special Diets

Strict therapeutic diets are not currently offered. However, we make adjustments for diabetics, provide lower sodium options, and offer meals that are mechanically adjusted or renal-friendly. Additionally, we serve skim milk upon request.

Menu Pattern

Certainly, menus are designed to contain a wide variety of well-balanced nutritious meals. Furthermore, each meal consists of a protein-rich entree, fruit, vegetables, bread, milk and dessert.

Private Pay Option

For more information about Meals on Wheels, residents of Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties can easily contact NMCAA’s Northwest Michigan Meals on Wheels. Additionally, feel free to reach out for any specific inquiries or further assistance:

Call x1 or call our toll-free number.

Missaukee and Wexford County residents may contact by calling us.

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 to be 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, health, 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. Nonetheless 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 just a step away! Moreover, when you reach out, we’ll be delighted to connect with you. Whether you have questions, comments, or concerns, our team is ready and eager to support you. Furthermore, we’re committed to providing the assistance you need.

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

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