Proper nutrition is vital to maintaining our health as we age, but many seniors don't want or aren’t able to cook anymore. They often turn to eating out, eating poorly, or not eating at all. Fortunately, there are a host of services that offer affordable healthy eating options that can be conveniently delivered right to your doorstep.
Senior Meal Programs
For elderly seniors that are homebound or disabled there are senior mobile meal programs that can serve you.
Meals on Wheels is the largest program that most people are familiar with, but some communities offer meal delivery programs sponsored by other organizations that go by different names. For example, Oklahoma City’s has the Senior Nutrition program and the Mobile Meals of Oklahoma County program.
While services can vary, most programs deliver hot meals daily, usually around the lunch hour. Weekend meals, may also be available, along with special diets (diabetic, low-sodium, etc.). Some programs will ask for a small donation for their meals, or they may charge a small fee based on your financial situation.
To locate services in your area, visit MealsOnWheelsAmerica.org, which offers a comprehensive directory on their website, or call 888-988-6325.
Online Meal Services
Today you can purchase a variety of prepared meals from a number of different online companies that will deliver within a few days. Just heat them up and dig in.
Services that deliver nationwide include MagicKitchen.com, HomeBistro.com and Veestro.com, which offer frozen meal services. For fresh/non-frozen meals that come refrigerated, check out Freshly.com, PetesPaleo.com and PersonalChefToGo.com.
All of these companies offer a wide variety of meal choices, and will usually post the meal’s nutrition information on their website. They also cater to a host of dietary needs, such as low-sodium and low-carb meals, diabetic meals, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian options.
Or, if you don’t mind doing a little cooking, another option is meal kit services that deliver freshly pre-portioned ingredients and simple step-by-step recipe instructions. The only ingredients you’ll need to provide are cooking oil, salt and pepper. This option is ideal for those who want a home-cooked meal but don’t want to, or have time to, do the meal planning, grocery shopping and food prep chores.
Some companies offering meal kits that deliver nationally include BlueApron.com, HelloFresh.com and Plated.com.
Costs for prepared meals and meal kits typically run around $9 to $15 per meal or more. Some companies charge shipping fees too, but will usually wave the fee if you order multiple meals.
Grocery Stores and Restaurants
Some grocery stores and restaurants offer home meal delivery too.
In OKC, Whole Foods offer a selection of pre-cooked meals and foods, including roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, and fresh soups and salads that they will deliver for a fee.
Also check with some of your favorite nearby restaurants to see if they offer home delivery.
Personal Chefs
For those with a bigger budget, consider hiring a personal chef from time to time.
A personal chef can provide you with a do-it-all service that will help plan meals, do the grocery shopping and prepare several weeks worth or more of tasty meals in your home, which you can freeze and eat whenever you want. Or, they can prepare it in their own kitchen and deliver it.
Chef’s fees range between $200 and $300 plus groceries. You may be able to save money by sharing meals with another family member, or a friend or neighbor.
To find a personal chef in your area, check the listings at the American Personal & Private Chef Association (personalchef.com) or the United States Personal Chef Association (hireachef.com).
