Nutrition
Council on Aging Nutrition Programs- More Than Just a Meal
Congregate Meals
Meals are provided at the local Senior Centers, as well as the Darby and Florence Meal Sites for a small contribution. These mid-day hot lunches provide healthy meals as well as lively conversation.
Helping homebound seniors meet their nutritional needs.
Meals on Wheels
The smell of fresh vegetables and a healthy meal simmering on the stove is the first thing you will notice about our Meals on Wheels kitchens. Updated kitchens and creative cooks prepare meals for homebound seniors with an emphasis on healthy and delicious meals. We happily accommodate special dietary needs such as reduced sodium, low fat, or allergies. Our team of cooks strive to meet individual preferences and make a point of keeping up to date on diabetic and heart-healthy diets.
Once the meals are prepared and sealed into oven-safe or microwaveable containers, they are packed into coolers for our team of volunteer drivers. This group of dedicated volunteers delivers the meals to our local elders, checking in and sharing a smile before heading to the next home. The program also freezes extra meals to be delivered with hot, fresh meals for those folks needing lunch or dinner on the weekend or non-delivery days.
A voluntary donation of $3.00 per meal keeps this vital program running for the benefit of all our homebound seniors in Ravalli County, however, the cost will never be the determining factor for participation. If you have questions about the Meals on Wheels program or want to volunteer as one of our friendly drivers, please contact Danny or call the Council at 406-363-5690 Please check out the video produced by our friends at the MAPS Media Institute, where you will see this essential program in action and the impact it can have on a senior’s life.
Meals on Wheels Facts & Information
Commodities Supplemental Food Program
The Commodities Supplemental Food Program is one way the Council on Aging strives to meet the basic needs of our seniors. Funded by the USDA, commodities offer seniors 60 years of age and older access to basic food items to help reduce the cost of groceries and provide access to nutritious meal options. Typical food packages may include milk, juice, oats, cereal, rice, pasta, peanut butter, canned fruit, canned vegetables, and canned meat, poultry, or fish. Qualification depends on income and an application is required to determine eligibility. Food is distributed every other month throughout Ravalli County and we currently are providing healthy food through this program to 200 clients. To fill out an application or if you have any questions, please contact our office at 406-363-5690.
Farmers Market Coupons
Farmer’s Market Coupons are one of our most popular programs. Seniors can receive coupons to use at our local valley Farmer’s Markets to purchase locally grown honey, fruits and vegetables. Markets start in June and run until Apple Days in October. Darby, Hamilton, Victor, Stevensville, and Florence have markets and all qualified vendors happily accept the coupons. At some markets, coupons can be combined with a senior’s SNAP benefits to provide an easy and accessible way to make locally grown Non-GMO foods a part of a healthy diet.
Additional information may be found in early summer issues of Tidbits. Please contact Danny to ask about where to get your application and coupons.
Some of the nicest people there more than willing to help out
