Home-Delivered Meals Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Home-delivered Meal?
A home-delivered meal is a nutritious meal meeting your dietary needs, delivered to your doorstep by one of our caring volunteers or staff members. Most meals include a serving of lean protein, a starch, a vegetable, fruit, wheat bread, butter, and milk. Other meal options. Pureed meals are available.
Along with the meal, we provide our clients with nutrition information, social interaction, and a safety check to make sure they are doing okay in their home. This program allows individuals to live independently by providing nutrition and caring, supportive services.
I am able to get out and I enjoy the company of others. Is there someplace I can gather with other seniors, aged 60+, to enjoy a meal and fellowship?
Yes! Meals on Wheels PLUS offers Friendship Dining Programs designed just for you! These programs provide great opportunities for social interaction, laughter, and a delicious meal in the company of others. Open every weekday, there are several Friendship Dining sites in Manatee County available to you. If you are interested in learning more about this Program, call 941-747-4655.
I can afford to pay for my meals but buying groceries and cooking for myself isn’t as easy as it used to be. Is Meals on Wheels for me?
Yes! For those in our community who have trouble getting to the grocery store and preparing their own meals, but are otherwise self-sufficient, Convenient Cuisine is a great way to increase your independence!
For just $7.00 a meal, delicious food will be delivered straight to your door by one of our trained volunteers.
This is a flexible program. We will work with you to identify a schedule that meets your needs. Call 941-747-4655 for more information and to register for assistance.
What can I expect in the home-delivered meal I receive?
You can expect a heart healthy meal with no added salt or added sugar.
Each meal includes the following:
- 1 serving of a lean protein (beef, chicken, pork, or fish)
- 1-2 servings of starch (potato, pasta, or rice)
- 1-2 servings of vegetables or fruit
- Bread and 1% milk
Additionally, each meal contains at least 600 calories and less than 800 mg of sodium.
Can I choose the type of food I want to receive?
All home-delivered meals provide one-third of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) and are approved by registered dietitians. Pureed meals are also available for individuals who have special dietary needs.
Call 941-747-4655 for more information and to register for assistance.
What is Convenient Cuisine?
Convenient Cuisine is a meal-delivery service available for just $7.00 a meal and is available to any person living in Manatee County.
Perfect for busy families or seniors looking for convenient meal options, this service makes meal planning a breeze! Our delicious and nutritious meals are just $7.00 each and are delivered to your home by one of our trained volunteers.
Clients on the Convenient Cuisine program also have the option to receive free, fresh produce through our Produce on Wheels Program as well as pet food for their furry companions.
This is a flexible program. We will work with you to identify a delivery schedule that meets your needs. Call 941-747-4655 for more information and to register.
Who is eligible to receive free or discounted meals from Meals on Wheels in Manatee County?
Discounts for nutritious home-delivered meals may be available to those who live in Manatee County and meet the following criteria:
- 60+ years of age
- Homebound or need help leaving your home
- Have been recently discharged from the hospital
- Disabled and referred by the Department of Children and Families and between 18 and 59 years of age
Funding for meals may be available. Call (941) 747-4655 for more information and to register for assistance.
Where are the meals I will receive made?
The meals we deliver are made locally by our food service partner.
How much does the service cost?
Meals are $7.00 each and are delivered by volunteers and staff of Meals on Wheels PLUS with no additional fee.
Funding may be available for clients who are eligible to receive meals. Call (941) 747-4655 for more information and to register for assistance.
How do I pay for my meals?
Meals can be pre-paid or can be paid by cash, check, or credit card. To pay by mail, remit payment with the provided invoice received to:
Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee
811 23rd Street East
Bradenton, FL 34208
Is there a waiting list?
At certain times of the year, there is a waiting list. Call 941-747-4655 for more information and to register for assistance.
When and how are the meals delivered?
Meals are delivered weekly by volunteers or staff of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. Delivery days and times vary by route and will be explained in detail by our Client Services team upon your registration in the program. Due to COVID-19, clients are asked to place a chair or small table outside their door. Volunteers/staff of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee will place the delivery items on the table or chair, knock on the door, and step back to socially-distance themselves while the client opens the door to receive the food.
Are meals available on weekends, holidays, and during bad weather?
Yes, meals are available for weekends, holidays, and during bad weather. Shelf stable meals for hurricane season can also be ordered. Please call 941-747-4655 for more information.
What is a wellness check?
When you sign a loved one up for Meals on Wheels, we are not just delivering a nutritious meal – we are also checking on the safety and welfare of your loved one. For many of our clients, their Meals on Wheels delivery volunteer is the only person they regularly see. Our services are so much more than food… for many, we are a lifeline to the outside world. We also call our clients to check in on them each week.
In addition, all home-delivered meal clients regularly receive an assessment of any changes that might impact their future medical needs. Our programs assist individuals to live independently by providing nutrition and caring, supportive services.
If I am not home, can the driver leave my meal by the door?
Due to temperature control and food safety requirements, we can not leave your meal by your door. We also want to make sure you are okay and hand you your food. If you cannot be home due to an appointment, call Client Services at 941-747-4655 ext.1225 to leave alternate delivery instructions.
Do I have to take the meal service every day? What if I have an appointment and won’t be home at delivery time?
Simply call 941-747-4655 ext.1225 for more information and to register for assistance.
Are there any extra services that can be included with my meal?
Yes, the “PLUS” in Meals on Wheels PLUS is what makes us different! In addition to home-delivered meals, all home-delivered meal clients are also offered:
- Pet food delivery two times a month for dogs and cats in the home of our home-delivered meals clients. We know your furry companion is your best friend and we want to make sure they are healthy. This service is complementary and is available at no extra cost.
- Fresh produce delivery two times a month via our Produce on Wheels program. We recognize the nutritional value of fresh fruits and vegetables and want to make sure fresh produce is available to all our home-delivered meal clients. Each produce bag contains fresh fruits and veggies as well as a recipe card with nutritional information. This service is complementary and available at no extra cost.
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Through our Nutrition Addition program bags containing extra shelf-stable food are available to those who qualify. This service is complimentary and available at no extra cost.