By MARGO HORNER, The Mirror

As seniors age, grocery shopping and cooking often become an increasing struggle.

And with limited incomes, hiring caregivers or extra help can be impossible.

Enter Meals on Wheels.

Meals on Wheels is a nonprofit organization through King County Senior Services that provides up to two frozen meals a day for seniors who are homebound. Deliveries are made weekly.

Shirley Thompson, volunteer coordinator for Meals on Wheels in Federal Way, said the demand for such services is increasing.

“I really believe that with the economy, that’s why we are getting more people,” Thompson said. “A lot of seniors can’t afford gas and food.”

“The baby boomers, they’re getting older too,” she added.

There are currently 48 clients who subscribe for the Meals on Wheels service in Federal Way. Similar programs operate in cities throughout King County. The meals are provided by an airline catering company in Spanaway and made specifically for King County Senior Services.

Each meal from Meals on Wheels provides one-third of the USDA recommended daily nutrition requirements for seniors. There are 31 lunch and dinner selections and five breakfast selections.

Each dinner includes milk, margarine and either a white or wheat roll. Dinner menu items include traditional staples such as baked ham, chicken casserole, salisbury steak, seafood fettuccine and lasagna.

Two meals a day is enough for many senior citizens, Thompson said.

“Seniors vary in their appetites,” she said. “Once you get older, you don’t eat very much.”

Any senior citizen over 60 years old who is unable to drive is eligible for the program. There is a suggested donation of $3 per meal, but clients who are unable to pay will not be turned down.

Disabled clients under age 60 can also receive meals from Meals on Wheels for a $3.75 fee.

Contact Margo Horner: mhorner@fedwaymirror.com or (253) 925-5565.

—-

CHECK IT OUT:

For more information about Meals on Wheels, call (253) 661-4050.