frequently asked questions… and answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who receives the meals?
While many Meals on Wheels of Virginia Beach clients are frail and elderly, the program is available to all who are homebound, which can include younger adults with disabilities. Meals can be served on a two-week basis or on a longer-term basis, to help with a crisis or after a hospitalization. Meals on Wheels of Virginia Beach serves people of various socio-economic backgrounds in a variety of neighborhoods.
Who cooks the meals?
We have a contract with Chef by Design. Their staff is very passionate about preparing these meals for us, and Chef John Telfer oversees all meal preparation.
What is served?
Each client receives a hot meal to eat when served (heat-sealed and microwave-safe), as well as a cold meal to eat later. If the client requests, we’ll serve frozen meals along with Friday's meal to have for the weekend.
When and where do volunteers pick up the meals to be delivered?
Volunteers will pick up up meals between 10:30 and 10:45, Monday through Friday. They will pick them up at the Kings Grant Presbyterian Church at 745 Little Neck Road in Virginia Beach. No early birds, please!
When are the meals delivered?
Meals are delivered Monday through Friday from 10:30 am to 1 pm. Since Meals on Wheels of Virginia Beach is closed on weekends and major holidays, extra frozen meals are delivered the day before if the client requests them.
Where are the meals delivered?
Meals are delivered to our clients in the city of Virginia Beach.
Who delivers the meals?
Meals are delivered by volunteer driver/rider teams in their own automobiles at their own expense. They have all been vetted to ensure the privacy and safety of both volunteers and clients.
Who pays for the meals?
Meals are paid for by the client or their designee as they’re able. Monthly statements are sent out at the end of the month to those who pay the full or partial cost of their meals. (Volunteers who deliver meals do not collect any money.) We depend on donations to pay for the meals delivered to those who can’t afford them. If you’re interested in making a donation or paying for someone's meal, you can do that here.
What happens if the client doesn’t answer the door?
First, we’ll check to be sure there aren't any instructions indicating we should leave the meal in a special place or a cooler that’s been left out for that purpose; we never leave the meal on the ground. If we don’t see any instructions about leaving the meal, we’ll place a "MISSED YOU" card from our route book and place it on the door, then proceed to the next delivery. Volunteers may also call our Executive Director to ask for a welfare check for our client.
What other services, including welfare checks, do we provide?
Our volunteers provide assistance and safety checks, as needed. Volunteers are also observing each client as they are able, watching for changes or other issues. If there’s an emergency, WE CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY and stay with the client until first responders arrive. If we have concerns about the client's well being that we don't believe require emergency care, we start making appropriate phone calls. All information regarding clients is kept confidential.
Why are we so important to clients?
Our goal is to not just provide hot, healthy meals, but to keep our clients from feeling isolated, helping them maintain their independence, which allows them to remain in their homes and out of long-term residential facilities for as long as possible.
Why are we so important to family members?
Meals on Wheels of Virginia Beach is a strong, reliable resource, and we offer nutrition, connection and safety checks. Knowing your loved one is safe and getting the food they need can bring you tremendous peace of mind.
"There’s a man on my route who is so incredibly appreciative of this service because it is the only thing that lets him still live by himself. If it weren't for Meals on Wheels of VB, he would have to move into assisted living. I'm so glad to be a part of that.
"
C.P., Volunteer
