Food continues to be the number one basic unmet need of seniors in America. Ninety-four percent of COA’s Meals on Wheels clients live below the poverty line, and approximately one in four lives alone. More than 300 screened and trained volunteers, many of whom have been with COA for several years, deliver nutritious meals to local seniors. Critical wellbeing checks and social interaction accompany each meal delivery.
COA operates Neighborhood Dining Sites throughout Volusia County to provide nutritious meals and critical social interaction for local seniors who are able to drive or take public transportation. For more information, please see the "Senior Centers and Dining Sites" tab.
While most Meals on Wheels clients use the program on a long-term or permanent basis, home-delivered meals are also available on a short-term basis for those people in temporary situations, such as home recovery from surgery. Meals are available at no charge or with a very modest co-pay for those who qualify, or they can be purchased at full price.
CLICK HERE to see this month's Meals on Wheels menu.
Dogs, cats, birds, and other pets are often the only source of daily companionship for many seniors, especially those living alone. These furry and feathered family members help to alleviate feelings of loneliness while providing a sense of purpose and feelings of love and joy. As natural conversation-starters, animals also encourage interaction and socialization with others. This is why it is so important to ensure that our elderly neighbors maintain their pets--it's good for the seniors and good for the pets!
COA and Hush Puppy Haven (https://hushpuppyhaven.org/) have partnered to provide pet food, treats, and supplies to the beloved pets of our Meals on Wheels clients. We want to ensure that furry family members receive the food and care they need, too, and that no one ever feels the need to part with a pet due to the inability to pay for necessities! Hush Puppy Haven collects new, unopened bags and cans of pet food as well as items such as kitty litter and other supplies, and delivers these items to COA, whose volunteers distribute the food and supplies while on their usual Meals on Wheels routes.
If you’re interested in supporting this program, please visit http://hushpuppyhaven.org, call 386-320-3413, or email [email protected]. You are also welcome to reach out to COA at [email protected] or
386-253-4700 x 215 to make a donation for PetMeals on Wheels.
As donations and grant funds are available, qualified seniors may be eligible for services at no charge or for a modest co-payment.
COA also offers private-pay services.
Please call 386-253-4700 x 225 or email us at [email protected]