FAQ

What types of meals & diets do you serve? Do I have a choice?

Currently at Meals On Wheels, Inc. of Tarrant County we offer all eligible clients breakfast meals four times a week and lunch meals five days a week. We offer clients a choice at lunch between two different entrees.

Can I choose the type beverage to drink?

Beverage options are available with your lunch meal only. You may choose from: 2% milk, skim milk,1% chocolate milk, or Calcium/Vitamin D fortified orange juice. Diabetic clients should strongly consider skim or 2% milk as their beverage choice since chocolate milk and orange juice will be higher in sugar. The orange juice product is a great solution for lactose intolerant clients.

Are the meals low sodium?

Meals are planned not to exceed 1200 mg for each meal with a goal a weekly meal average to be 1000 mg or less. Salt is not added to any of our recipes during the cooking process. We use only frozen vegetables and various low sodium products that are available in our recipes to reduce the amount of sodium provided each day.

I do not like beets, corn, or white bread. Can you please remove these foods from my meals?

We recognize that food preferences are very important. However, due the volume of meals we produce every day we are unable to accommodate each person’s food preferences and/or special diet request(s).

What if my doctor prescribes a Renal diet?

Once again due to the volume of meals we produce each day, it is not possible for us to provide various diet types. Our meals can be modified somewhat by you at home to better meet your doctor’s diet prescription. Also, advance planning of your other meals you eat throughout the day can help you meet your prescribed diet guidelines for the day. We have fulltime registered dietitians available to help you with your diet needs while still receiving home-delivered meals.

How often are the menus changed? How can I find out what the meals are for the week?

Meals On Wheels develops two different menu cycles each year. Each menu cycle is composed of six weeks worth of daily menus that is repeated 4-5 more times for a total of 26 weeks. Lunch menus are mailed to clients’ homes prior to the start of a new menu cycle so that entrée choices can be selected. Breakfast menus are posted on the website.

How long can I keep my meal before I eat it?

Lunch meals are made to be consumed within 1 to 2 hours of delivery to your home. If you do not plan to eat your lunch meal immediately after it is delivered, then it should be refrigerated and consumed within 48 hours. Lunch meals can be also safely placed in the freezer for up to 1-3 months. Breakfast meals are delivered with your lunch meal and should be refrigerated immediately upon arrival to your home. Breakfast meals are designed to be eaten a day or two following delivery.

What is the best way to reheat my meal after it has been refrigerated or frozen?

Using a microwave is the quickest and most energy efficient way to reheat your food. Refrigerated trays should be placed in the microwave for 3-5 minutes. Frozen meals will take longer, 5-8 minutes. However, please know that length of time to reheat your meals will depend on the wattage of your microwave. Ultimately, food that has been placed in the refrigerator or freezer needs to be reheated to at least 165 degrees to ensure absolute food safety.

Do I have a voice about menu planning?

Absolutely, our clients have a voice! Annually each client receives a satisfaction survey. This is a great time to share your food comments and concerns with us. In the meantime, if you have a concern that needs immediate attention, feel free to call our office and talk with one of the agency’s registered dietitians at 817-258-6476.

I have started a new medicine; what foods should I avoid? My doctor told me to watch my cholesterol intake; what is cholesterol?

If you have a question like these or need some diet or nutrition question answered, we can help. Simply call our office at 817-336-0912 and ask for one of our registered dietitians who will be glad to help you with your diet and/or nutrition questions.