The City of Las Cruces Senior Nutrition Program Offers Home Delivered Meals
Home Delivered meals are available to eligible seniors who qualify. Individuals must be:
- HomeboundMeals on Wheels American 2024 Member
- Lacking a family support system
- Living inside the city limits
- Unable to obtain and prepare a nutritious meal
- Unable to participate in the congregate meal program because of an impairment or lack of transportation
A Case Manager must determine eligibility for all potential homebound clients during a home visit assessment. The meals that are served to homebound seniors are
the same meal that are prepared and served at the Congregate Meal sites. Homebound clients receive a cold breakfast in addition to the noon meal.
The suggested donation for Home Delivered Meals is $3 for both meals. Weekend frozen meals are available for those who qualify. For more information, please call 575-541-2301.
Nutrition is a Top Priority
All meals meet federal and state guidelines which are reviewed and approved by a Registered Dietitian to ensure they provide the minimum 1/3rd of the daily nutrients and calories as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture.
Meals are prepared with no sodium, fat, or sugar added to them. Check out this month’s menu!
Food Safety Tips for the Meals You Receive
Seniors who take care to handle food safely can keep themselves healthy. Some people are more likely to get sick from harmful bacteria that can be found in food. And once they are sick, they face the risk of more serious health problems. Everyone’s health is different, including his or her ability to fight off disease. But immune systems weaken as we age. In addition, stomach acid also decreases as we get older – and stomach acid plays an important role in reducing the number of bacteria in our intestinal tracts – and the risk of illness.
Follow these simple steps to ensure the proper care of the meals delivered to you.
- For best taste, eat your meal as soon as you receive it.
- If you do not plan to eat for an hour or more after your meal is delivered, refrigerate the food immediately and then reheat when you are ready to eat.
- If the food is in a reusable Monroe tray, place tray in the microwave and reheat until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Never put an aluminum tray in the microwave to reheat. Instead, place the food on a microwave safe plate to reheat.
- Place any cold foods in the refrigerator immediately and bring it out when you are ready to eat.
- You can also place the food on an oven safe dish/container and reheat it in the oven for approximately 15 minutes or more at 350°F until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
- It is not recommended to leave any of the food sitting out on the table or counter.
- If in doubt, throw it out.
For more information on Food Safety you may contact the Meals Services Supervisor at 575-541-2301 to obtain additional food safety information and tips on how to reheat and cool your meals properly.
