Meals on Wheels

Their faces are familiar. They are our mothers and fathers, aunts and uncles, grandmothers and grandfathers.  In years past, their lives were full, and their dreams and aspirations unlimited.  But old age creates obstacles and limits options in a discouraging and seemingly heartless manner.  This is why our passionate volunteers deliver nutritious meals and friendship to our beloved homebound elderly.

What is the purpose of Meals on Wheels? 
 Who is eligible for Meals on Wheels? 
 Will the meals meet my dietary needs ? 
 How do I receive Meals on Wheels?
 Can I see this month's menu ? 
 Where are the meals prepared? 
 How is the program funded? 
 Who delivers the meals? 
 How do I volunteer to help deliver meals?    
 How can I make a donation? 

Meals on Wheels, through volunteers and staff, delivers a hot nutritious meal to homebound seniors.  As the cost of housing, prescription drugs and overall health care continues to rise faster than incomes, the request for food assistance continues to increase.  All of the seniors we serve are homebound due to chronic illness or a health crisis.  Many live alone and are dependent on others for help with daily necessities.  The fastest growing segment of our population is seniors over the age of 60.

Some people may need a temporary solution while recuperating from an illness.   For others, it is the answer to maintaining independence, and continuing to live in their own homes.  It is our purpose to provide a well-balanced, hot meal and personal contact to the homebound elderly of Bexar County.  During FY 2007, Meals on Wheels proudly delivered 573,074 meals.  What we do makes a huge difference in the lives of homebound seniors. 

People who are at least 60 years of age, who are homebound, unable to cook for themselves and lack outside support are eligible.  There is no charge for eligible clients provided adequate funding is available.  Donations are suggested; however, if someone is unable to donate for the suggested amount they can give what they can afford. 

The Meals on Wheels Outreach Department consists of trained caseworkers who personally visit and assess the needs of every referred client.  These dedicated caseworkers not only initiate the delivery of Meals on Wheels, but also help refer the recipients to other senior service agencies who can assist them with other needs.  They also closely follow their satisfaction with the meals, and re-evaluate client status on a regular basis. 

These meals provide 1/3 of the daily nutritional requirements for older Americans.  All recipes are reviewed and approved by a Registered Dietician and prepared by a highly experienced culinary staff.  With a doctor prescribed request, Meals on Wheels fills a variety of client’s special dietary needs such as:  diabetic, renal, heart healthy, pureed, bland, etc.

Individuals may call in and refer themselves, or they may be referred by doctors, community service agencies, or relatives and friends.  Call: 210-735-5115 and ask for Meals on Wheels to begin the process.  Prospective clients will be assigned to an Outreach Caseworker who will assess eligibility.

The meals are prepared in our own 15,000 sq.ft. facility by professional cooks led by a seasoned food service manager.  All foods are purchased locally and prepared in a commercial, high volume kitchen daily beginning at 4:00 am. 

The meals are funded through a variety of sources including: 

• Bexar Area Agency on Aging through Texas Dept on Aging
• The Kronkosky Charitable Foundation
• United Way and Combined Federal Campaign contributions
• Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services 
• Bexar County CDBG & General Fund
• Foundations, Corporations and Fundraising Events
• Caring Individual Donors
• Recipient Donations 

Each meal is delivered hot in a reheatable microwave-safe container, by a trained staff driver or volunteer operating from a Volunteer Site.  Meals are delivered between the hours of 10:30 am and 1:30 pm Monday through Friday.  When needed, a frozen weekend meal may be provided.