INTRODUCTION
The Franklin County Senior Activity Center operates a Meals on Wheels program that delivers a hot, nutritious meal to homebound seniors Monday through Friday every week. Eligible clients must be age 60 or over and unable to cook or have no one who cooks for them. The program not only provides a hot meal but also warm smiles, and it acts as a way to check on clients’ conditions. Home delivered meals are an important step in keeping seniors out of residential care and in their homes, where they can maintain quality of life, dignity, and independence.
The Senior Activity Center has a full service kitchen with excellent standards of cleanliness. Our cooking staff is well known for their delicious meals, and we operate our nutritional program under the supervision of a registered dietician who helps design our menu. Our Meals on Wheels program delivers more than a meal – we are delivering hope and friendship.
In 2025, an estimated 9.5 million senior Americans will experience some form of food insecurity, about 75% higher than the number in 2005
Am I eligible?
To be eligible, you must be age 60 or older and unable to cook for yourself or not have someone who can help you with meal preparation. A referral from your physician is required for participation in the program, and our coordinator will visit you in your home to explain the program before your service begins.
What kind of meal service is provided?
Meals are delivered at mid-day Monday through Friday. Meals consist of both hot and cold food, and our menu is published monthly.
What is the cost of Meals on Wheels?
The suggested contribution for home-delivered meals is $5.00 per meal or $25 per week. However, no one is denied service for financial reasons.
I have a medical condition that requires a special diet. Can you accommodate me?
Our meal program is only able to provide regular diet meals.
I have difficulty carrying things. Can the meal driver bring my meal inside?
Our drivers are ready, willing, and able to bring your meals into the kitchen, leave them on a table, or put them in your refrigerator, whichever is most helpful to you. Alternatively, you can accept them right at your door.
Can the driver leave the meal if I have to go out?
No. Part of our mission is to see each client for each delivery. We want to confirm that they are safe on a daily basis. We also do not want to risk food-borne illnesses by leaving meals outside without knowing when they will be refrigerated or consumed. By prior arrangement, we can leave your meal with a neighbor occasionally, if you have to be away during meal delivery time for a doctor’s appointment, etc.
Can I suspend service for a few days without being cancelled?
Yes. We must have at least one day’s advance notice to cancel or resume meal service. You can suspend service without being cancelled from the program, but if your meals are cancelled for long periods you will have to re-apply to begin service again.
Is there a limited time I can have meals on wheels service?
You can remain on the program for as long as there are no changes in your eligibility. Clients are re-evaluated for continued eligibility. Some clients need Meals on Wheels for a limited time while recovering from surgery or other situations, and some need Meals on Wheels indefinitely.
Seniors without access to emotional and financial support are substantially more likely to suffer from hunger.
Meals on Wheels is operated
on a donation system