Meals on Wheels essential during winter months

  The winter months are notoriously harder on older adults, especially during this pandemic, which is why Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES) stresses the importance of virtual and phone assessments, proper heating, physical checkups by your doctor, social interactions – even if we cannot do it face-to-face – transportation assistance and nutritious meals.

  “Eating good, whole, nutritious foods in the winter months can go a long way in helping older adults regulate their body temperature and stay warm,” said MVES Registered Dietician Candace Quigley. “For those who may not want to or lack the ability to cook, the Meals on Wheels program provides regular nutritious food.”

  The Meals on Wheels program provides seniors with the necessary nutritional support to protect them against food insecurity, and to help them continue to live independent and fulfilling lives. MVES has provided home-delivered meals for more than 45 years.

  “Meals on Wheels is for vulnerable older adults who require nutritional support to safely continue living in the community,” said MVES Director of Nutrition Angie Fitzgerald. “Despite the challenges COVID-19 has brought, we have continued to serve home-delivered meals to consumers, and the number of those needing meals delivered has increased.”

  Since the pandemic started nearly two years ago, the program has served nearly 60,000 meals per month to homebound adults compared to 50,000 meals per month prior to the pandemic.

  The home-delivered meals service includes the following options as needed: chilled-to-be-heated noontime meals, cold-pack breakfast and supper, clinical diet meals, kosher meals, and frozen weekend meals. In some cases, MVES can provide cultural or ethnically preferred meals in certain communities.

  “MVES’ Meals on Wheels program ensures that a friendly face of the driver and healthy meal arrives during the cold months and all year round to those who need this essential service to remain healthy, well fed, and safe in their homes,” said Fitzgerald.

  When providing the meals to the individual, drivers also offer regular check-ins, at a safe distance, to make sure the older adult is doing well during the cold weather. This can be done by a warm smile and welcoming wave.

  If you are interested in knowing more about the Meals on Wheels program, please visit MVES at mves.org or call 781-324-7705.