By Ronda James

Registered, Certified Dietitian, ADRC-CW

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Food and meals – a vital part of maintaining health. Many people take for granted having enough food in their kitchen, and the ability to get food from the grocery store when needed.

However, for many older adults, access to food and meals is not taken for granted. A number of factors can play a role: limited income and/or assets to purchase food, loss of ability to drive or access transportation, lack of cooking skills, limited physical endurance or ability to complete daily tasks such as preparing a simple meal, and emotional distress including depression.

According to Meals on Wheels America, 142,379 seniors in Wisconsin are threatened by hunger. Many times, family or friends pitch in to help with grocery shopping or meal preparation for an older adult in their lives. Even if such support is being provided, the need may extend beyond the ability of the caregiver.

The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Central Wisconsin (ADRC-CW) connects older adults, and adults with a disability, to resources and services like the FoodShare benefit and access to food in various formats in the community. The ADRC-CW also offers Senior Dining, which is a lunch meal served at Centralia Center, Huntington Apartments, and Nekoosa Community Center.

Did you know that being age 60 or older is the only eligibility requirement? Anyone age 60 or older can dine with Senior Dining for a nutritious meal and socialization. A spouse or domestic partner of any age is welcome to dine also.

Senior Dining is a great way to eat well-balanced meals without shopping for food, cooking or cleaning up. Meal reservations are needed one day in advance by noon. A contribution is suggested, but no eligible person is denied service due to inability to contribute. Each person is encouraged to consider contributing what they are able. Senior Dining is a great way to bridge the gap to accessing food.

Persons age 60 or older, mostly homebound, and unable to prepare adequate meals may be eligible for Meals on Wheels, also provided by the ADRC-CW. Discussing eligibility with ADRC-CW staff is the first step in exploring Meals on Wheels service.

To make a meal reservation, discuss Meals on Wheels, or connect to resources to access food, call 715-421-0014.