Why?
Meals on Wheels is a service designed to help seniors maintain their independence as they face financial, physical, or emotional hardships. Hot meals delivered to the door by friendly staff members may be just enough support to enable someone to continue to live a productive life in the community.

What are they like?
Nutritious low fat meals with no added salt are delivered around lunchtime. All meals provide 1/3 the daily nutritional requirements as determined by the USDA.

Who is eligible?
Seniors 60 years or older who are homebound, living alone and have physical disabilities that prevent them from preparing an adequate nutritional meal and do not have the support of family and friends on a regular basis.

How much will it Cost?
People pay what they can. The suggested donation for Meals on Wheels is $7.00 per week. No one is denied a meal because they do not make a donation.

Is there a waiting list for this program?
Yes, there is usually a very long waiting list for this program.  For this reason, a "Paid Meals Program" was begun for seniors who can afford to pay.

The Glen Retirement System also delivers a meal three days a week in certain areas of Shreveport for $3.50 per meal.

If you are already receiving Meals on Wheels or are thinking about them for yourself or a family member, here are a few guidelines:

Food Handling:
Dinners which are delivered to your home by staff drivers should be eaten as soon as you receive them . Because of our concern for safety, volunteers are asked not to leave a meal when no one is home. Meals cannot be left on the porch.

Emergency Food:
Meals on Wheels is not an emergency service. Sometimes cancellations of delivery are necessary due to bad weather. Please keep extra food in your house in case this happens, especially in the winter months.

Length of time receiving meals:
The Meals on Wheels program depends on you to let us know about changes in your condition that might alter your eligibility for Meals on Wheels. If at any time you do not need Meals on Wheels, please let us know.

Please join us:
The Council on Aging, Inc. sponsors community meals all over Caddo Parish. We hope your health improves to the point that you are able to get out and join us at one of the many congregate meal sites throughout our coverage area. Transportation is often available.

Paperwork:
A final note about forms and information. To continue programs like Meals on Wheels, The Council on Aging, Inc. must comply with state and federal requirements for information. This means a visit from a representative of the Council on Aging will call you or ask to visit you to fill out a registration form. Your help and cooperation will help us to serve you better. Thank you.