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What is Meals on Wheels?


Nutritious meals are served five days a week in communities throughout western South Dakota. Participants may enjoy a meal with their friends and neighbors at our congregational dining sites or receive a home-delivered meal in one of 64 communities located in western South Dakota. 

Meals on Wheels Western South Dakota is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote the well-being of older adults through nutritious meals, nutrition education, socialization, and other supportive services. The program is supported through federal Older Americans Act which is administered by the Administration for Community Living, the State of South Dakota, participant contributions, and local fundraising efforts. Every philanthropic dollar stays right here in our community, serving those who need it most! 


Do I Qualify?

Anyone 60 years of age or older is welcome to participate. If the spouse of an eligible participant is under 60, he or she may qualify as well. We encourage anyone who is 60+ to join us at one of our many communal dining locations and for those who are homebound or unable to travel, home delivery is available. If someone you know is homebound and in need of meals, please reach out on their behalf or give them our information.

Why Should I Participate?

  • Affordable, delicious meals offering a variety of food.
  • An opportunity to meet others in a group dining atmosphere.
  • Social contact for those who are homebound.
  • Daily fellowship for an active and healthy lifestyle.
  • An opportunity to help others by assisting with the program.
  • As we age, we tend to need fewer calories - but not fewer nutrients. It is essential that we make wise food choices and eat nutritionally balanced meals every day.
  • Good nutrition can help keep us healthier and out of hospitals and nursing homes.
  • Well-nourished seniors generally have shorter hospital stays, lower health care costs, faster healing, fewer health complications and lower mortality rates.
  • Good nutritional habits are also instrumental to recovery when illness or injury affects our health. 

 

What Will I Receive?

While the menu is different each day, we do follow specific menu guidelines that are diabetic friendly and heart healthy. Each meal provides one-third of the Recommended Daily Intake or DRI, which follow the My Plate guidelines and is a visual reminder to make good choices from each of the 5 major food groups. Certain dietary restrictions such as common allergies can be accommodated.

What Does it Cost?

 Although we receive some state and federal funding that covers around 50% of the cost of providing your meal, we rely on donations and contributions to cover the remaining 50%. Currently, it takes $10.00 to provide a meal and we suggest diners aged 60 or older to contribute $4.25 per meal, however no diner aged 60 or older will ever be denied a meal because of an inability to contribute.

 

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