Meals on Wheels of Durham delivers a nutritious meal, a safety check and a smile that serves as a lifeline to seniors of limited mobility. This combination goes well beyond fighting the battle against the hunger that threatens one in six of America’s seniors – it provides the support and peace of mind that enable them to remain safely and securely in their own homes as they continue to age. Enabling seniors to stay in their own homes means they remain happier, extend their independence and can stay connected to the communities and surroundings that provide them comfort. The powerful side effect of this result is that it means seniors can stay out of expensive nursing facilities and hospitals.
Applying for Services
Hot Meal Program
Our volunteers deliver meals 5 days a week, between 10:00 am and 12:30 pm. 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
Nutritionally, each meal has:
- At least 700 calories
- Less than 1,400 mg of sodium
- Less than 30% of its calories from fat
Frozen Meal Program
For clients who are not home each day at lunch due to medical appointments, dialysis, or rehab, Meals on Wheels delivers a box of 5 frozen meals once a week. The clients receiving these meals need the ability to heat the meals in a microwave.
Special Programs
Meals on Wheels of Durham partners with a variety of organizations to offer additional services for our clients. When available, we provide the following:
- Electric fans
- Pet food
- Books
- Toiletries
- Warm clothing
- Birthday cards and small gifts
- Christmas gifts, centerpieces and ornaments
- Valentine's Day cards
- St. Patrick’s Day cards
- Thanksgiving Dinner
- Christmas Dinner
- Placemats
- Information on a variety of agencies offering help and assistance to the elderly
- Monthly educational pieces for clients on health and nutrition
- Emergency meals
