Meal programs and grocery delivery services 

Dining out meal programs

Dining out meals are meals prepared and served in the community for older people and others needing assistance.

Dining-in meal preparation and delivery

Dining-in meal options include Meals on Wheels, which provides lunches to shut-ins, and catering companies that provide deliveries to people in need. Catering companies may offer meals to seniors or people with disabilities at reduced rates and/or may cater to special diets (e.g., low fat; low salt).

Grocery delivery services

Some volunteer-based services exist to assist seniors and those needing assistance with grocery shopping. People can place grocery orders by phone or on-line, and the grocery service selects the items and makes a home delivery. People may elect to use only the delivery component of the service.

Adapted from: Family Caregivers' Network Society, Resource Guide for Family Caregivers, 2006.