Meals on Wheels
What is Meals On Wheels? This program provides a hot noon meal (and optional cold evening meal) designed to meet the nutritional needs of those who are 60 years and older, homebound, and disabled and/or unable to shop for groceries or prepare a meal for themselves.
Who is eligible? The recipient is 60 years of age or older and typically are disabled, have limited resources to secure groceries and/ or cook and prepare food safely. However, eligibility is based entirely upon need. Examples are: being essentially home bound, unable to prepare meals, unable to shop for food or purchase meals, no cooking facilities, etc. There are no income requirements or restrictions, though recipients who are able can contribute towards the costs of the meal ($2.50 is a suggested anonymous donation per meal). No one will be denied service due to inability to contribute.
What’s in a typical meal? All meals are prepared on-site at Multi-Service in our commercial kitchen under the supervision of our Executive Chef and Sous Chef, with the assistance of an amazing team of volunteers. We provide balanced, nutritious and delicious meals that have been approved by a registered dietician. Noon meals include an appetizer, entrée (protein), vegetable, starch, bread, margarine, 1% milk and dessert. Most meals are low-salt, low-fat and low sugar and therefore accommodate most prescription diets ordered by physicians.
How does someone get started? Anyone can make a referral to Meals on Wheels by calling Multi-Service at (610) 367-6957. The Meals on Wheels Case Manager will make a home visit to assess eligibility. Eligible individuals will begin receiving meals within the next week. Those who are not eligible may be referred to The Center at Spring Street which offers a variety of programs and services including a hot noon day meal to anyone age 55+ or disabled. The length of time that an individual receives meals is based on need. Meals on Wheels can provide short-term assistance for someone recuperating from an illness or injury and long-term service can be provided if necessary. Meals on Wheels provides individuals an opportunity to remain independent in their own homes.
The Meals on Wheels program is funded by the Berks County Area Agency on Aging and Montgomery County Aging and Adult Services. Trained volunteers deliver the meals 5 days a week. In the event of inclement weather, meal delivery may be canceled. Emergency “snowpacks” are available to recipients to be used for these occasions.
Staff
Carol Arnesman
COORDINATOR
Ashley Maggio
CASE MANAGER
Need Meals on Wheels for you or a loved one?
Please submit the following information and our Meals on Wheels Case Manager will get back to you as soon as possible during our regular business hours: Monday – Friday from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. If you need immediate assistance, please contact Ashley Maggio at 610-367-6957 Ext:240 or email her at AMaggio@boyertownareamulti-service.orgSpecial Notice
Scams seep into every form of business, including Meals on Wheels. At no time will a Meals on Wheels staff member call you requesting information on the status of your mortgage, rent, or bank balances.
Qualification for the Meals on Wheels program does not require a financial report.
If you receive this type of call, please hang up and report the call to our office immediately. Call 610-367-6957.
