Meal Options for Seniors in Delaware Contributed by: Mira A. Prisco, 2L , Paul M. Herbert Law Center
My grandmother prepared the most delicious meals and desserts. I may be biased, but her Thanksgiving dinner was second to none. Some of my favorite memories with my grandmother involved standing at the kitchen counter helping her fix meals. When she decided she no longer wanted to cook for herself, let alone for our large family meals, I began to wonder what her nutrition would look like.
It was difficult for me to wrap my head around how my grandmother would eat when she was not interested in cooking. Would she eat at restaurants for three meals a day? Would she eat frozen meals from the grocery store? Would our family need to dop off precooked meals? These alternatives can be unhealthy, expensive, and burdensome for families.
There are many people just like my grandmother who like the idea of passing down the chef’s hat to someone else. Further, there are members of the community who cannot afford good nutrition, who have limited transportation, or who have limited amenities at home to allow for freshly cooked meals. Throughout the state of Delaware there are a wide variety of options available for those who are unable or no longer wish to cook in the home. Listed below are a few of the many options available.
Cheer Center in Georgetown: The Cheer Center offers meals for individuals over the age of 60 for a suggested donation of $3.50. Individuals under 60 may purchase meals for $4.50 a person. Meals are available Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. For those who choose not to eat at the center there is also drive thru pick up. The lunches offered are designed to meet three types of diets: regular, diabetic, and low cholesterol. To ensure the food served is heart healthy, the meals are analyzed and supervised by a registered dietician.
M.A.N.N.A. – Mature Adult Neighborhood Nutrition Agency: This nutrition agency operates multiple sites in Kent County including Modern Maturity Center, Mamie Warren Senior Center, Harrington Senior Center, and the Lillian Smith Senior Center. The cost is $8 per person under 60 and a suggested donation of $5 for those 60 and older. For those who are homebound, Meals on Wheels may be available to deliver from these sites. Check out the center websites for each month’s menu!
Moms Meals This option is available through online order or phone call. The meals are then delivered and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 14 days. Moms Meals is available to those on Medicare Advantage plans, Medicaid plans, Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) programs or the Older Americans Act, and by individuals who are looking for a self-pay program. Meals are made to be diabetic friendly, gluten free, low sodium and other heart healthy options. Go online to see the current menu!
Although we all miss my grandmother’s cooking, our family is happy that there are options available to her so she no longer has to worry about being the head chef.