General Inquiries: 919-667-9424, Volunteer Hotline: 919-667-9426
Frequently Asked Questions About the Meals on Wheels Program
The following are some frequently asked questions about our Meals on Wheels program. Please note that there is additional information about volunteering, donations, and sponsorships. If you don’t see what you’re looking for on our web site, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
- What is in a “Meals on Wheels” meal?
- When are the meals delivered?
- Who delivers the meals?
- How are the meals prepared?
- How much does the service cost?
- Who is eligible to receive a “Meals on Wheels” meal?
- How can I receive a “Meals on Wheels” meal?
- How many meals does Meals on Wheels of Durham deliver each day?
Q. What is in a “Meals on Wheels” meal?
The hot, nutritious, low-fat meals each contain 1/3 of the minimum daily nutritional requirements for senior adults.
Each meal includes the following:
- One serving of lean protein (beef, chicken, pork)
- Two servings of complex carbohydrates (usually 1 bread and 1 starch)
- Two servings of either a fruit or a vegetable
- Eight ounces of milk
- Dessert
Additionally, each meal contains:
- At least 700 calories
- Less than 1,400 mg of sodium
- Less than 30% of its calories from fat
Q. When are the meals delivered?
Meals are delivered each weekday between 10:30 am and 12:45 pm.
Q. Who delivers the meals?
The meals are delivered by the volunteers who are the heart and soul of the program, and whose warm, human touch means so much to our clients. Without their selfless dedication, we could not serve the meals we provide each weekday in Durham County. We are constantly looking for additional volunteers to deliver meals. If you think you’d like to volunteer, even for just one day per month, please call our Volunteer Line at (919) 667-9426, or follow this link to view more information about volunteering.
Q. How are the meals prepared?
Meals on Wheels of Durham maintains a contract with a professional foodservice company in Raleigh which prepares each day’s meals. The foodservice company delivers the packaged meals to us and they and subsequently distributed to clients’ homes. Note: Each day’s menu is prepared, packaged, and delivered under strict food safety guidelines to minimize the risk of contamination. The meals are cooked the same day they are delivered to our clients.
Q. How much does the service cost?
Meals cost $5.00 each.
Q. Who is eligible to receive a Meals on Wheels meal?
The services of Meals on Wheels of Durham may be available to any resident of Durham County who is homebound as the result of age, disability, or illness. Most recipients live alone and are handicapped, malnourished, elderly, or otherwise unable to prepare food for themselves. People of ALL incomes and ages may be eligible for meals. Meals on Wheels does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, gender, disability, or national origin.
Q. How can I receive a “Meals on Wheels” meal?
If you think you may be eligible to receive Meals on Wheels, or know someone who may benefit from this service, then please submit an application for service to Meals on Wheels of Durham. Our office manager will contact you for.
Q. How many meals does Meals on Wheels of Durham deliver each day?
We currently deliver 300 nutritious meals each weekday—over 80,000 meals a year.The number of referrals we are receiving has increased each year, and we need your support to continue to meet the needs of Durham County’s growing elderly population. Please follow the appropriate link above to your preferred method of supporting our mission.