Meal delivery services are becoming popular in the U.S. for many reasons. One big reason is that these services offer people a way to eat well and skip the chore of cooking. With both parents working and other responsibilities, like taking care of aging parents and spending time with children, there is little time for essential chores. The very idea of having freshly prepared meals delivered to your home is a dream come true for many. It takes grocery shopping out of the equation and helps you save time and money.
Delivery services started with just a few companies trying out a new concept in the market and expanded to include ingredient shopping and subscriptions on a weekly or monthly basis. Food is delivered to a customer’s doorstep. These plans also include snacks based on a person’s nutritional needs.
How Meal Delivery Services Can Help Older People
Regardless of culture, most activities are centered around food. People celebrate and meet friends or colleagues for lunch, and a lot of good memories are created with food playing a key role. Good, nutritious food is not only crucial to survival but also the quality of life. Nutritional needs change as people age, and every calorie counts at any age. Food choices do have a significant impact when one is 50+ years old than when one is 20+. According to the USDA, older adults should ensure that their plate has:
- 50% of veggies and fruits
- 25% whole grains
- 25% protein in the form of beans, fish, nuts, and lean meat
- Dairy in the form of yogurt and cheese, low in fat or fat-free
Heart-healthy fats and a low-sodium diet also go a long way in extending quality of life. Meal delivery services cater to people with different dietary requirements based on their eating habits and religious needs. This is especially useful for people who are struggling to do the simplest tasks and instead go hungry.
Meal delivery services cater to those who have diabetes or must follow a gluten-free eating regimen. It is essential to research to find out what each delivery service offers.
- Is there a minimum order?
- How is the food shipped to me?
- What do portion sizes look like?
- How many entrees/snacks does the company offer?
- Does a dietitian design the meals?
- How many calories per portion?
- Do you deliver to my area?
- Are the ingredients used to make the food organic?
- Is the packaging bio-degradable?
- What is your cancellation policy?
Each meal costs about $8 to $15, and shipping can cost about $20. Look at your budget to figure out if meal delivery services are affordable. Another option is to order a meal delivery kit, which mainly contains all the ingredients required to prepare a meal. Such services also let customers go beyond their comfort zone and try cuisines they otherwise would not consider. Food delivery services can be a bargain at the end of the day, especially if they are committed to sourcing from local suppliers and farmers.
