Nutrition Services

As part of SVCOA’s Nutrition Program, Meals on Wheels delivers nutritious meals to older adults throughout southwestern Vermont. Each year, we provide hundreds of thousands of healthy meals—both home-delivered and served at community meal sites.

Meals on Wheels is more than just food—it’s also:

• A daily wellness check

• Friendly social interaction

• Critical support for those who are nutritionally insecure or homebound

Who Is Eligible?

Any person is eligible who is age 60 or over and is unable to obtain or prepare meals on a temporary or permanent basis due to a physical, mental or cognitive condition that requires assistance to leave home.

Also eligible are the spouse, regardless of age, of eligible individuals receiving HDM and individuals under 60 years of age with a disability who reside with an eligible individual receiving HDM. Nutrition services program volunteers may be offered a meal if doing so will not deprive an adult over the age of 60 a meal.

Priority is given to those who are:

• Low-income

• A racial or ethnic minority

• Limited English speakers

• At risk for institutional placement

• You may be eligible for Meals on Wheels if you are under 60 please call VCIL at 802-779-9021

Contributions

Suggested donations are encouraged and appreciated.
No one will ever be denied a meal because of an inability to donate.

Family members are welcome to contribute on behalf of a loved one—just contact your local Meals on Wheels provider for details.

SVCOA offers therapeutic meal options through Meals on Wheels to support the diverse health and dietary needs of our community. These meals are specially designed to help individuals manage specific health conditions—while still enjoying nutritious, balanced food.

For more information, call our confidential helpline at 1-800-642-5119.

Available Therapeutic Meal Options

• Regular / Heart Healthy

  • Less than 800 mg sodium

  • Less than 15 g fat

  • No trans fats

  • Designed to support overall heart health

• Diabetic-Friendly

  • No more than 75 g of carbohydrates per meal

  • Helps maintain consistent blood sugar levels

• Renal-Friendly

  • Less than 1000 mg of potassium and sodium

  • Fluid intake limited to 240 cc per meal (includes milk)

  • Designed for individuals managing kidney conditions

• Lactose-Free

  • Free of all lactose-containing ingredients

  • Includes lactose-free options like milk and cheese

• Gluten-Free

  • Safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity

  • Excludes wheat, barley, rye, and other gluten sources

• Vegetarian (Lacto-Ovo)

• Includes milk, cheese, and eggs

• No meat or seafood

• Texture Option
  • Purée: Foods are blended into a smooth, pudding-like texture that’s easy to swallow. This option is designed for individuals who have difficulty chewing or swallowing solid foods, while still providing complete nutrition.

  • Mechanical Soft: Foods are chopped, ground, or mashed into small, tender pieces that are easier to chew than regular meals. This option is ideal for those who can handle some texture but may struggle with tougher or harder foods.

Looking for a great meal and great company?
SVCOA sponsors Community Meals at public sites throughout Bennington and Rutland counties. These meals offer:

• A nutritious lunch

• Opportunities to socialize

• Additional activities like guest speakers and wellness programs

Meal sites include:

• Community centers

• Town halls

• Senior housing communities

• Local restaurants

• Even a fire station!

Wherever you are in Southwestern Vermont, there's likely a welcoming meal site nearby.

Cost & Donations

The suggested donation ranges from $3.50 to $7.00 per meal.

Not eligible? No problem—non-eligible guests are welcome and simply pay a set fee of $4.00 to $8.00 per meal.

Who Is Eligible?

You are eligible to receive community meals at no cost if you are:

• Age 60 or older, or the spouse of someone 60+ (regardless of your age)

You may also be eligible if you are:

• A person with a disability under 60 living in community housing primarily for older adults

• A person with a disability under 60 who accompanies an eligible adult to a meal site

• A Nutrition Services Program volunteer under 60, if meals are available after serving eligible adults

Want to Join Us?

For a full list of meal site locations and times,
call our confidential Helpline at 1-800-642-5119.

2026 Dining Guide

SVCOA offers personalized nutrition counseling for older adults, provided by a Registered Dietitian. In addition to one-on-one support, our dietitian also presents general nutrition information to community groups across Bennington and Rutland counties.

What Is Nutrition Counseling?

Nutrition counseling is an ongoing, collaborative process. Our Registered Dietitian works directly with individuals to:

• Review dietary habits and nutrition-related health concerns

• Identify personal health and wellness goals

• Develop realistic strategies to meet those goals

This service is tailored to support each person’s unique needs—whether it’s managing a medical condition, improving eating habits, or navigating dietary restrictions.

Get Started

To learn more or sign up for nutrition counseling or any other SVCOA Nutrition services,
call our confidential HelpLine at 1-800-642-5119.