Meals on Wheels Contra Costa proudly supports the countrywide home-delivered meal program that provides nutritious, delicious, and convenient meals to senior clients across Contra Costa County. The menu, carefully crafted and overseen by a county nutritionist, caters to various dietary needs and preferences, ensuring that each meal is nutritious and enjoyable. Prepared by TRIO Community Meals staff at the kitchen in Antioch, CA, these meals are designed to meet nutritional requirements for seniors and offer a diverse range of options that bring both flavor and health benefits.

Curious about the variety of meals available through the program or interested in the monthly menu offerings? The countywide program features a broad selection of meals, from fresh sandwiches and salads to well-prepared frozen options. This post will explore the different types of meals available, how dietary restrictions are accommodated, and some of the special features of the menu.

Fresh Meals Delivery

Types of Meals Served:

Meals on Wheels clients receive frozen meals delivered with some fresh options. These fresh meals are designed to be both delicious and nutritious, catering to the tastes and preferences of the senior clients. Examples of the fresh meals included in our deliveries are:

• Chicken Salad Sandwich: This meal includes a chicken salad sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and onion on whole wheat bread, marinated beets and onions, and baby carrots.
• Seafood Louis Salad: A delightful mix of seafood served over greens, complemented with whole grain crackers, 1000 island dressing, and a marinated broccoli salad.
• Egg Salad Sandwich: This sandwich features lettuce, tomato, and onion on whole wheat bread paired with baby carrots and a serving of tropical fruits.

Dietary Accommodations:

The meal program accommodates various dietary restrictions and preferences to ensure all clients enjoy their meals safely and comfortably. Some of the accommodations provided include:

• Diabetic-Friendly Options: Reduced or eliminate sweetened fruits, such as fruit cups with syrups, to better suit diabetic clients and ensure their meals are safe and healthy.
• Sodium-Conscious Meals: All the meals are crafted to align with the recommended sodium levels for seniors, promoting heart health and overall well-being.
• Preference-Based Adjustments: Clients are regularly surveyed for feedback on their meal preferences. When most clients prefer certain types of meals, we implement changes to our offerings to ensure client satisfaction.

Weekly Frozen Meals Delivery

Selection of Frozen Meals:

The weekly delivery includes a variety of frozen meals that are not only nutritious but also packed with flavor. These meals are carefully prepared to meet the senior clients’ dietary needs and taste preferences. Some samples from the current frozen menu include:

• Oven-baked Fish with Lemon Herb Sauce: This dish is served with stewed tomatoes, brussel sprouts, and brown rice, providing a balanced and tasty meal.
• Spaghetti with Turkey Meat Sauce: A classic favorite, this meal comes with Italian vegetables for a wholesome and satisfying dining experience.
• Sweet and Sour Pork: Served over brown rice with peas, carrots, and stir-fried vegetables, this meal offers a delicious blend of flavors and nutrients.

Storage and Heating Instructions:

To ensure the quality and safety of the frozen meals, it’s important to follow proper storage and heating instructions. Here are some general guidelines:

• Storage: Keep the frozen meals in a freezer at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below. Proper storage will maintain the meals’ freshness and nutritional value until they are ready to be consumed.
• Heating: Most frozen meals can be heated in a microwave or conventional oven. Remove the meal from its packaging for microwave heating and place it in a microwave-safe dish. Heat on high for 4-6 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. For oven heating, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place the meal in an oven-safe dish, and heat for 20-25 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Following these instructions will help ensure the meals are enjoyed to the best of their quality and taste. The meals are designed to be convenient and easy to prepare, making it simple for the clients to enjoy a nutritious meal with minimal effort.

Specialty Dietary Meals

Diabetic-Friendly Options:

Managing diabetes requires careful attention to diet, diabetic-friendly options reduce or eliminate sweetened fruits and focus on balanced portions of proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. 

Vegetarian and Vegan Options:

While the menu currently does not offer vegan meals due to specific nutritional criteria that must be met for our senior clients, we do provide a range of vegetarian options. These meals are designed to be both nutritious and satisfying, catering to clients who prefer or require a meat-free diet. Some of the vegetarian meals include:

• Broccoli, Rice, and Cheese Bake: With mushroom sauce, spinach, and cauliflower, this hearty meal provides a balanced combination of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
• Macaroni and Cheese: This classic comfort food is a favorite among our clients. It’s paired with mixed veggies and brussel sprouts.
• Cottage Cheese with Tropical Fruit: Accompanied by pineapple slaw with carrots, offering a refreshing and nutritious option.
• Cheese Ravioli with Marinara Sauce: Served with a side of vegetables and green peas with onions, this meal is both delicious and nutritious.

Culturally appropriate meal options:

The Meals on Wheels program is continuously working to expand menu choices to include more diverse and culturally relevant options such as Latin American-inspired meals. Also, by collaborating with local cultural organizations, such as our partnership with J-SEI for Japanese cultural cuisine, we aim to enhance the meal offerings to clients and better serve the diverse needs of our community.

 

 

Bringing It All Together

At Meals on Wheels Contra Costa, our mission is to support homebound elders to maintain their health and dignity, and enable them to live independently in the comfort and security of their own homes by providing life saving meals to nutritionally at-risk senior citizens who have challenges that prevent them from preparing nutritious daily meals for themselves. From fresh and frozen meal deliveries to specialty dietary options and cultural meal offerings, we strive to ensure that every client receives meals that nourish the body and bring joy and comfort.

The Meals on Wheels program is continuously working to expand and improve the menu, incorporating feedback from clients and collaborating with local organizations to meet the highest standards of quality and variety. Whether you are looking for diabetic-friendly options or vegetarian dishes, we are dedicated to meeting your needs with care and attention.

Thank you for trusting Meals on Wheels Contra Costa to meet your nutritional needs. We look forward to continuing to serve our community with compassion and excellence.