Allegan County seniors can expect frozen meals three times a week rather than hot meals five days a week, following a vote by commissioners to enter a three-year contract with Meals on Wheels of Western Michigan.
The change was approved unanimously by the Allegan County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 26, following a recommendation from the Commission on Aging.
Under the new model, beginning in March or April, Meals on Wheels will deliver frozen offerings to enrolled seniors throughout Allegan County. Until now, the municipality has utilized Community Action of Allegan County to deliver hot meals to seniors five days a week.
By switching to frozen meals, officials said, seniors will have more control over meal options and can eat on their own schedule — rather than when meals arrive. The typical delivery option will be Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, according to a release.
The move will “improve reliability, expand flexibility for participants and ensure the long-term sustainability” of the program, administrators said.
“This change allows us to serve seniors more flexibly and reliably while remaining responsible stewards of the senior millage funds,” wrote Commission on Aging Chair Sally Heavener. “Our priority remains helping older adults live safely and independently in their homes.”
The program is one of five core services offered by the community’s senior millage, which also covers in-home support.
Existing participants will be contacted and transitioned to the new system automatically. Once the transition is complete, new clients can enroll through Meals on Wheels of Western Michigan.
One concern about frozen meals was the ability of some recipients to prepare them, and the availability of appliances like microwaves. Proposed solutions include providing donated microwaves, caregiver assistance or “alternative arrangements, where appropriate.”
Learn more at tinyurl.com/yv5nr4n9.
— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Allegan County adopts new model for senior meal delivery. What to know
Reporting by Mitchell Boatman, Holland Sentinel / The Holland Sentinel
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