The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website is a great resource for information about healthy eating and good nutrition. According to the CDC, good nutrition is essential in maintaining good health and lowering the risk of serious health problems. Statistics show that fewer than one in 10 people eat enough vegetables and fewer than one in seven adults eat the recommended amount of fruit. There are a number of programs to help provide people with meals and food, including programs partnering with farmers markets providing fresh fruits and vegetables. Some of the programs serving the TSA service area are listed below. For more information and links to other resources about healthy eating and improving nutrition, please visit the CDC website.

Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels programs operate in virtually every community in America through a network of more than 5,000 independently run local programs. While the diversity of each program’s services and operations may vary based on the needs and resources of their communities, we are all committed in supporting elderly neighbors to live healthier and more nourished lives in their own homes.

Homebound individuals age 60 and older can receive a hot meal delivered to them Monday through Friday. The meals provide one-third of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA).

For more information, call (734) 326-5202 or apply online through Wayne County Senior Services.

Congregate Meals

Individuals age 60 and older can get a hot lunch on weekdays at any of 41 community lunch sites. The meals provide at least one-third of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Meal reservations and cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance. Donations are encouraged, with a suggested donation of $3.00 per meal.

NOTE: Congregate meal nutrition sites are currently closed and will remain closed until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Frozen 5-pack and 5-pack shelf stable meals are distributed each Monday from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, to seniors age 60 and older. To reserve a 5-pack meal, call Wayne County Senior Services at (734) 326-5202 and select option 3 to leave a message. Upon arrival at the distribution site, a Congregate Meal Participant form must be completed, and you will be asked if you wish to reserve a 5-pack meal box for the following week.

Liquid Nutrition

Liquid nutrition is available for individuals age 60 and older who are unable to ingest solid food due to a disabling disease or condition. Eligible individuals may receive up to two cases of Ensure Plus with a suggested donation of $15 per case of 24 cans. Individuals who receive liquid nutrition are not eligible for Meals on Wheels or Congregate Meals.

For more information, call (734) 326-5202 or apply online through Wayne County Senior Services.

Focus Hope

Focus Hope provides food boxes to individuals age 60 and older who live in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and Washtenaw Counties. Recipients must provide a photo ID and proof of financial eligibility.

For more information, call (313) 494-4600 or email food@focushope.edu.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

TEFAP provides food boxes to low-income families living in southern and western Wayne County. Call Samaritas at (734) 721-4470 for more information and eligibility criteria.

For information about additional food assistance options, such as food pantries and soup kitchens, please call The Senior Alliance at (800) 815-1112 to speak with an Information and Referral Specialist.

Double Up Food Bucks

Individuals with an active Bridge Card can benefit from Double Up Food Bucks. This program matches fruit and vegetable purchases dollar for dollar, up to $20 per day, effectively doubling the amount of fruits and vegetables you can purchase for the same cost.

Call (866) 586-2796 or visit Double Up Food Bucks to find a participating farmers market or grocery store near you.

Senior Project Fresh/Market Fresh

Each spring, The Senior Alliance receives a limited number of coupon booklets that can be used to pay for fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets. Each booklet contains 10 $2 vouchers. To qualify, individuals must be age 60 or older, have a total household income equivalent to or less than 185% of the federal poverty level, and live in our service area.

For additional information and to check on the availability of coupon booklets, call (800) 815-1112 to speak with an Information and Assistance Specialist.