Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When will my meal arrive?

A: Meals are delivered between 11 am and 12 pm weekdays. Once you are placed on a meal route, you can expect your meal around that same time each day.

Q: Do I have to get up to answer the door each day?

A: No, our volunteers are asked to knock on the door to alert you they are there but will immediately proceed in to place your meal on your table.

Q: What if I am going to be gone for a day?

A: If you will not require a meal (whether for a day or an extended period of time) please call the Commission on Aging at 433-3701 as soon as possible but no later than 8:30 am of the day you want to cancel.

Q: How much do the meals cost?

A: As with all of the services we provide, there is a "suggested donation" rather than a cost. The suggested donation for home delivered meals is $5/meal. While donations are always needed and appreciated, we never expect someone to donate if it will cause financial difficulty for them. Your meals will never be cancelled due to an inability to contribute.

Q: Why do I need a physician's referral for Home Delivered Meals?

A: Home Delivered Meals are not an entitlement program which means there are limited funds for the program.  To ensure those who have no other alternative are able to receive them, you must have a medical need.  All others are invited to attend Congregate Meals at your local Senior Center.  Often times, social interaction is just as beneficial as nutrition so Congregate Meals are open to everyone (age 60+).
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Q: Why am I getting a frozen meal on Thursdays? (Sidney)

A: The meals are prepared by our Congregate Meal Cook who cooks four days/week and uses one day for prep work. Your frozen meal will still be a homecooked meal made by the same cook who provides the meals the other four days.

Q: How do I heat my frozen meals?

​A: All the frozen meals are in containers designed to go straight into the microwave or oven and are safe up to 400 degrees. To reheat in the oven it is recommended to place on a cookie sheet, remove plastic wrap and cover with aluminum foil, and bake for at 350o  for 20-30 minutes.  To reheat in the microwave it is recommended to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. When ready to use vent film and heat for 2-minute intervals until heated through. It is recommended you stir and/or rearrange the food partially through cooking to ensure even heat distribution.