- How are Meals on Wheels meals prepared?
Entrees are prepared at the Cuisine Centre in St. John’s using Steamplicity© and in long-term care facilities in the Eastern-Rural zone. New clients in new service areas will receive refrigerated Steamplicity© meals.
Steamplicity© is a unique and innovative approach to providing healthy, nutritious, balanced meals uses steam pressure to cook fresh ingredients. Entrees arrive in a container with a special film packaging that allows water molecules inside the food to make steam when heated in a microwave. Meals can be refrigerated for up to three days before heating and serving.
- Do you have a choice in meals?
Yes! Meals on Wheels has a menu with up to five different entrees available daily. You can select which food you receive each week and change your selections from week to week.
- Are special diets accommodated?
Dietary restrictions, such as diabetic or gluten-free diets, and food consistencies, such as chopped or pureed food, may be accommodated.
- Do you offer cold foods like sandwiches, or is it only hot foods?
Only refrigerated meals that can be reheated are offered at this time.
- Can you get breakfast, lunch and dinner?
Currently, Meals on Wheels only offers a lunch and dinner menu. Breakfast options are not available.
- Are desserts included with the meal?
No. This program's focus is on providing a nutritionally dense meal that includes protein, starch, and vegetables.
- How will I get my meals?
NL Health Services works with community partners such as the Canadian Red Cross, the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul and others to deliver meals to eligible participants. Delivery times are scheduled, so you know when to expect your food. These times vary throughout the service area.
- Do you need any special equipment to participate?
Participants must have a microwave oven. This is how meals are cooked using our patented steam cooking system. Participants must also have a refrigerator large enough to store their meals until they are ready to be eaten.
- How do I know if I may be eligible?
Although the program targets seniors, those recovering from surgery or illness and/or those with limited mobility may be eligible. Anyone with an identified need is eligible to sign up for the program.
- I am already a Meals on Wheels client. Will this expansion impact my service?
The expansion will not impact individuals already in the program, and food prices and schedules will not change due to this new service.
- What does Meals on Wheels cost?
Currently, prices vary across the region. For the expansion, we are considering one flat fee for all service in all areas, somewhere between $8.50 and $12.50. This will be determined through the public engagement process. There are no additional charges for delivery or tax.
