SouthEastern Idaho Community Action Agency

Meals On Wheels

Meals On Wheels is a well-known project throughout the United States that provides both a nutritious meal and emotional support for homebound seniors and the disabled. SEICAA staff contribute to the overall health and safety of clients by checking on them regularly and referring individuals to area programs to assist with additional needs they may have.

SEICAA's Meals On Wheels Program provides up to 7 meals a week to eligible persons 60 years of age and older who are homebound and need help with meal preparation.

There is no charge to the recipient for receiving meals. Meals On Wheels and other SEICAA programs rely on federal funding and generous donations to operate. Rising fuel costs have cut into an already tight budget. Financial assistance given to SEICAA is tax deductible.

Meals On Wheels delivers meals to anyone in northern Bannock County who meets the eligibility requirements. Last year 58,136 meals were delivered throughout the area.

Eligibility is based on individual need:

• Persons are 60 + years old
• May need to be institutionalized if meals are not provided
• Is confined to home because of pain, limited mobility or bed confinement or can no longer drive
• May need meals due to recovering after discharge from a hospital or other confinement
• Has lack of mobility to provide adequate meals for themselves, but are able to live in their own home.
• May be too fragile to be part of the day to day activities of a Senior Citizen Center Program.
• Are unable to safely prepare meals because of mental illness, forgetfulness, exhaustion, impairment from arthritis or other illness and have no other means of assistance.
• Has a recommendation from their doctor or other social service organization.
• Individuals approved for meals on the State of Idaho Medicaid HCBS and DD waivers are also eligible for the Meals on Wheels program.

Each meal contains a minimum of one-third of the recommended daily allowance of required nutrients and approved by a licensed dietitian. The hot meals include an entree', vegetable and fruit, milk or juice, bread, and dessert.

Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)

A unique volunteer based program provides a way for retirement aged individuals to give 
something back to their community! Volunteers serve on a regular basis in a wide variety of community assignments which may include duty at the local senior center, nursing home, police station, school or other non-profit organization. SEICAA provided 519 volunteers serving 71,204 hours in 2008. The volunteer hours were worth $980,465 to the local community. 

The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) enlists those individuals 55 years old or older and offers them the opportunity to use their skills, talents and experience in positions within their community. RSVP volunteers can choose opportunities that best fit their skills and talents. They may also choose an activity that is entirely new and different.

Mentoring
The SEICAA-RSVP Mentoring Program places adults with a mentee in the elementary school system. These mentors meet with their mentees once a week and do a variety of activities with them such as games, tutoring, talking, crafts and sports.