Meals on Wheels

Meals are delivered between 10:30AM and 12:30PM.

Food is more than just nutrition.  We share meals to connect with others.  We prepare food for others in times of stress, illness grief or changes in life to show that we care. 

For homebound seniors these meals can offer not only a sign of caring, but they can also provide a way to stay independent when they otherwise might not be able to maintain that independence.  These people, often times our neighbors, rely on the help of others to have fresh and healthy meals delivered right to their doors.  In addition to a meal, this delivery also brings a friendly face, a bit of conversation, human interaction and a stay well check on their general health. 

MEALS ON WHEELS IS HEALTHY

Why is Meals on Wheels so important for providing meals? It can address many challenges that surface for older adults, including:

·        The expense and level of energy needed to prepare healthy meals

·        The inability to walk or drive the distance required to find a better food option

·        Health reasons, physical or mental, that make the task of regular meal preparation difficult to manage

The meals provided by Meals on Wheels are balanced and nutritious, filled with many of the key vitamins needed for older bodies. Bones are strengthened with dairy products and fruits and vegetables boost immunity and help support overall health.

Hunger can also attribute to falling, which is a leading cause of injury in older adults.  Without enough food, many of us can feel faint and dizzy. For seniors, who tend to eat less anyway, skipping meals can bring dizziness and faintness, which can then lead to broken bones and other painful incidents.

By offering a balanced meal, Meals on Wheels keeps our older neighbors feeling good, engaged, energized, and strong. Even when some of life’s challenges arise, older adults find comfort in knowing that their next meal will arrive right on time.

 Meals on Wheels at the Plum Community Center

The Plum Community Center is a member agency of the Meals on Wheels program.  Meals are delivered Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. There is no meal delivery on holidays. 

The Meals on Wheels Greater Pittsburgh is committed to improving the quality, expanding the impact, and increasing availability of nutritional support services.

Benefits:

• Makes it easy to eat well, stay healthy and maintain independence in your home.

• Meals are prepared fresh and delivered to your door three days a week by a person who cares about your well being.

• Provides a vital “stay-well” check on your general health. If you do not answer your door, or are having difficulties, we initiate a safety check by a registered nurse. We want to be sure our participants are healthy and stay that way.

• No impersonal deliveries or food will be left on your doorstep in nobody is home.

Who Qualifies for Meals on Wheels?

Our home-delivered meals are meant to help those unable to leave their homes due to disability, illness, or frailty, and who meet the eligibility requirements. You must be 60 years or older, homebound, and unable to prepare your own meals. 

All menus are approved by a registered dietician. They provide one-third of the U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) and comply with Pennsylvania’s Department of Aging standards. 

How to Start Your Meals

To find out if you are eligible to start meal delivery, call the Allegheny County Senior line at:  412-350-5460 or 412-350-4234.

They are a single point of entry. Expect this call to take about 15 minutes.

Meals are delivered between 10:30AM and 12:30PM.