About the Meals on Wheels Program
The Meals on Wheels (MOW) program delivers lunch to homebound older adults 60 years and older, who are unable to provide their own meals, and who meet certain guidelines. Special dietary considerations are available for those with chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. This delivery serves as a daily check- in by a friendly driver. Drivers are trained to identify and report observations or emergencies that might indicate a medical problem or the need for more intervention. A nutritious meal delivered by a friendly driver goes a long way in helping maintain independence. Deliveries are made between 10 am and 2 pm, Monday through Friday in the following cities or towns: Brimfield, Hampden, Holland, Palmer, Springfield, Wales, and Wilbraham.
Who is Eligible?
- 60 years of age and older
- Physically or emotionally unable to shop or prepare for at least one nutritious meal per day
- Have inadequate family or formal support to assist in preparing one nutritious meal per day
- Lack transportation to grocery stores and/or Senior Dining Sites
The Meals Provide:
- One-third of the Recommended Daily Dietary Allowances
- 700-800 calories
- Reduced sodium (part of a no-added-salt diet)
A Latino Meal option is also available for interested older adults.
Those who have difficulty chewing or swallowing should request a pureed meal (contact Nutrition Services for more information by phone 413-781-2135 or at GSSSI.Nutrition@gsssi.org.)
Special Diets
- Modified Meals – Similar to traditional meals with a diabetic dessert
- Medically Tailored Meals – Recommended for those individuals in need of a cardiac, renal, or diabetic diet. Requires Physician Approval.
- Pureed Meals – Recommended for those with difficulty swallowing, chewing or for those having dental issues
Evening & Weekend Meals
Cold/Frozen Suppers and Frozen Weekend Meals are available on a limited basis for those in need of additional assistance and unable to prepare meals.
October Menus
Reservations
To make a reservation or cancellation, call Nutrition Services at 413-781-2135 by 11:30 AM the previous day or email GSSSI.Nutrition@gsssi.org.
Those who have difficulty chewing or swallowing should request a pureed meal please let us know when you call or email.
Participants are asked to make a $2.00 voluntary and confidential donation per meal to help underwrite a portion of the cost.
Donations
Participants are asked to make a $2.00 voluntary and confidential donation per meal to help underwrite a portion of the cost.
Cancellation Policy
In order control wasted meals, we request cancellations to occur by 11:30 a.m. prior to the day(s) of cancellation by calling 413-781-2135 OR toll Free 1-800-649-3641
Winter Weather Emergencies
During the winter months, cancellations will be posted on area radio and TV stations including: ABC 40 WGGB TV/FOX 6, CBS Channel 3 Springfield, NBC WWLP TV 22, WHYN Radio 560 AM, Mix 93.1 FM. Cancellations will also be posted on GSSSI’s social media pages.
The following towns run their own Home Delivered Meal programs and residents interested in home delivered meals should contact the Council on Aging directly.
Other Home Delivered Meal Options
Agawam Council on Aging - 413-821-0605
East Longmeadow Council on Aging - 413-525-5436
Longmeadow Council on Aging - 413-565-4150
Monson Council on Aging - 413-267-4121
West Springfield Council on Aging - 413-263-3264