Marion County Senior Services -- Meal Programs

  
 

Marion County Senior Services has been delivering meals to the homebound since 1973. Our first group of volunteers saw a need in our community and delivered 13 meals to senior "neighbors." Their caring idea became the foundation of our agency, which now provides more than 400 daily meals.

Home Delivered Meals

Our goal is to provide a hot, noontime meal, Monday through Friday. These meals meet 1/3 of the adult daily nutritional requirements.

Meals are delivered by volunteer and staff drivers as well as Marion Transit Service drivers. Our dedicated staff of volunteer drivers delivers the bulk of our meals.

An additional feature of our program is to provide a daily check on our clients' well being. This short visit is often the highlight of an isolated and lonely client's day.

Who Qualifies for Home Delivered Meals?

  1. Seniors 60 and over who are frail and homebound.
  2. Adults under the age of 60 who may need meals on a temporary basis while recovering from an illness.
  3. Disabled adults under age 60.

Adults who are the caregiver for a spouse who no longer drives may still qualify to receive a meal. The meal will help to provide you with relief from 24 hour caregiving.

How Do I Apply?

When referring yourself or someone else, you need to call 620-3501 and speak to our Access Coordinator who will take all the basic information. From there the referral will come to the meals department. A visit will be scheduled to complete the required application. This process could take up to one week.

If you are calling on behalf of someone else, it is a good idea to make sure the person you are referring wants meals. Many times friends and family feel someone needs the meals but the person is not ready.

Congregate Meals

What If I Drive But Need Meals?

You are invited to participate in our Congregate Meals Program located at eight congregate meal sites throughout Marion County. Activities and speakers are also part of this program. Congregate meals are served at the following dining centers. Generally, activities start at 10:00 a.m. and the meal is served at 12 noon. Participants must be 60 years of age or the escort of a 60+ individual.

  • Belleview - St. Theresa's Catholic Church
    Parish Hall, S. Highway 301
  • Flemington
    The Thomas Center, 18140 N. Hwy. 329
  • Forest - St. Joseph's of the Forest Catholic Church
    17301 E. Highway 40
  • Marion Oaks - Presbyterian Church at Marion Oaks
    279 Marion Oaks Manor
  • Ocala - Harvey Fellowship Hall
    1415 NW 5th Street
  • Ocala - Multipurpose Senior Center
    2001 SE 32 Avenue
  • Ocala - Marion County Senior Service Center Main Office
    1101 SW 20th Court
  • Silver Springs Shores - Presbyterian Church
    674 Silver Road
  • Salt Springs - Veterans of Foreign Wars
    Post 10208, Highway 314
  • Sparr - Sparr United Methodist Church
    12990 NE Jacksonville Road
  • Weirsdale - Weirsdale Presbyterian Church
    16303 SE 137th Court

Is There a Fee for Meals?

Some programs do require a fee. Your situation will be evaluated and discussed at the time of your assessment. If a fee is not assessed a contribution is accepted.

Are There Special Dietary Meals?

No. We are unable to meet the special dietary needs of all clients. However, the meals are low salt and diabetics may receive a different dessert.

Who Prepares the Meals and How Do They Get Here?

The meals are prepared by a caterer who specializes in meals on wheels programs. They are delivered each morning to 11 locations throughout the county. The meals are kept at proper temperatures until the staff and volunteers start delivery between 10:30 and 2:30 p.m.

Are Meals Available in All Areas of the County?

Due to the logistics of delivering meals to more than 400 people throughout the county, we are unable to provide meals to everyone who requests them. Please call to see if meals are available in your area.

 

 

  

 

Marion County Senior Services is funded through the Department of Elder Affairs • State of Florida • Florida Department of Children & Family Services • Florida
Department of Transportation • Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged • United Way • Marion County Commission • Community Support • Client Contributions

Website Copyright © 2009 Marion County Senior Services