Meals on Wheels 

 

The Broome County Office for Aging’s Meals on Wheels program is a home-delivered meal service available to eligible older adults who are unable to prepare healthy meals for themselves. Meals are delivered Monday through Friday by caring volunteers who check on participants each day.  Participants overwhelmingly report a better sense of well-being and independence as a result of receiving Meals on Wheels. 

There is a suggested contribution of $4.00 per meal. All contributions are kept confidential and are used to support and maintain the program. No one will be denied service due to their inability or unwillingness to contribute. Individuals whose income is at or above 185% of the Federal Poverty Guideline are asked to contribute at an amount that represents the actual costs of the meals ( $8.92 per meal). You are asked to contribute at this rate if your monthly household income is more than $2,322 and you live alone; or if you live in a household of 2 and your monthly income exceeds $3,151. No one shall be denied a meal due to an inability or unwillingness to contribute.

How are meals delivered and what can I expect?

Each weekday you will receive a hot meal for lunch, a juice and a dessert. Bread and milk are also provided. Our meals are prepared to meet 1/3 of dietary requirements. Meals are designed to be heart healthy as they are controlled to be lower in sodium and fat. Special diets, such as ALT (Alternate) which may be helpful to those who would like to consume less sugar or for healthy weight management or Mechanical Soft for those who have trouble chewing or swallowing are available.

Nutrition Counseling

A dietitian is available to answer questions you may have about your diet. The dietician can help guide you on ways to best plan your Meals on Wheels into your special diet needs. The dietitian can be contacted by calling 607.778.2411.

Sponsors

The nutrition program is sponsored by the U.S. Administration on Aging, the NYS Office for Aging and the Wellness in Nutrition Program, Broome County, and contributions from the program participants. 

Things to Remember About Meal Delivery

  • We cannot deliver a meal to your home unless someone is there to receive it. Meals cannot be left unattended because of possible food spoilage and/or contamination. No exceptions can be made.
  • You are responsible to make your home safe for the volunteer to deliver your meal. This includes, but is not limited to, confining pets. Failure to do this will result in the cancellation of meal service.

Volunteer Opportunities

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to impact the lives of older adults in our community, consider becoming a Meals on Wheels volunteer!

Volunteering not only helps others but can also positively impact your own mental and physical well-being. Meals on Wheels volunteers report that joining this program has brought them a sense of fulfillment and allows them to be part of a close-knit, caring group of people.

Meals on Wheels volunteers are needed to deliver meals once a week, Monday – Friday, between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.  You can sign up to be a driver, visitor, or both. Routes are available in various locations throughout Broome County including Binghamton, Chenango Bridge, Conklin/Kirkwood, Harpursville and Whitney Point. Volunteer drivers receive a mileage reimbursement.

Volunteers are required to complete a volunteer application and participate in a background check. 

For more information, call 607.778.6206.

Questions and Concerns

For more information about Meals on Wheels, please call our office at 607.778.2411.