Twin Cities

Here are quick answers to some of our most commonly asked questions.

 

Please contact us if your questions aren't answered below!

 

Who is eligible for meals?

• Whether you want the convenience of nutritious, ready-to-eat delivered to your home meals or you are unable to prepare healthy meals for yourself, you can receive meals-on-wheels.  Meals are available long-term or short-term. We deliver meals to North Tonawanda and the City of Tonawanda.  See our Service map. We deliver without regard to age, race, sex or religion.  Eligibility is not according to income limits.

 

How can I apply for meals?

• Click on our Application to Get Meals online.  You may call our office at (716) 693 – 1663 during office hours, M – F, 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM, to apply. We receive self-referrals but also those made by family, hospitals and other health agencies and social/advocacy services.

 

How soon can I begin meal delivery?

• We can usually begin to send meals within 1 – 2 days of receiving a request. A detailed ‘new client’ letter will be sent with the first meal; please read and keep it for future reference, as it contains details regarding delivery, payment, holiday schedule, and other important information.

 

Is there a trial period?

• We ask that meals be received for at least one week after application; prior cancellation will incur a processing fee; if you do not wish to continue after a week’s time, please allow 24-hours’ notice. Call the office to cancel.

 

What if I have food allergies?

• If we are alerted to an existing food allergy (for example, strawberries) we make every effort to withhold that particular food. We do not add nuts in our preparation of the meals we serve; however, we cannot guarantee that our pre-processed foods were not prepared in a facility using a nut, soy or egg products.

 

When will my meal be delivered?

• Meals are delivered by one of our dedicated volunteer teams at approximately 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM, M – F. If you do not feel hungry, please refrigerate both hot tray and brown bag; the hot tray can be later reheated in microwave or oven. The hot tray is designed to be the main daily meal; the brown bag is for a later snack or cold meal.

 

What about bad weather?

• Our delivery teams are hardy, but there are times that we must cancel delivery due to bad weather conditions – new clients receive a detailed letter with their first meal listing, among other important information, what radio/television stations will announce closings.

 

What if I'm not home?

• If a client must be away from home for a doctor’s appointment, etc., please call the office as soon as possible, by 10 AM the day of, if not sooner to either make arrangements for another person to accept the meal for you, or to cancel that day. If a client does not notify us to cancel and a meal is delivered, there will be a charge for that meal.

 

How do I pay for the meals?

• Bills are sent to meal recipient, or responsible party, monthly; payment is due upon receipt.

 

Will I get a meal for the holidays?

• We do not deliver on these holidays - New Years Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day & Christmas Day. Each client receives the notification of regularly-scheduled holidays, both in the new client letter and a written notice which is sent prior to the holiday.

 

Where are the meals prepared?

• The meals are prepared and packaged fresh each weekday at Twin Cities Meals on Wheels, 100 Ridge Road, North Tonawanda.

 

How much do the meals cost?

• The program is primarily funded by a fee charged to participants by way of a monthly statement. The monthly fee may be paid by cash, check, or credit card. Please contact us for update-to-date pricing on hot and cold meals.

 

What meals are served

• Two nutritious meals delivered in the late morning each weekday. The hot meal is usually eaten at lunch-time. The cold meal may be eaten at supper-time. We use special containers to keep the food at proper temperatures when it is delivered.

 

Do you provide for special diets

• We provide two types of diets, regular and diabetic, upon a doctor’s recommendation.

 

What is the role of volunteers?

• Volunteers help organize, prepare and pack the meals for delivery. Meals are delivered by a group of dedicated volunteers. Volunteers provide a caring daily contact for the meal recipient, ensuring they're well- being.

 

Why do we do fund-raisers?

• The fees paid by our meal recipients only cover part of the cost of the meals. Fund-Raisers are used to supplement that cost. Funds are obtained through contributions from individuals, businesses, and churches as well as special fund-raising events.