Nutrition Programs

Meal Program Services

Marion 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 Meals Delivered

Our goal is to provide a hot lunch, Monday through Friday. These meals meet 1/3 of the adult’s daily nutritional requirements. Meals are delivered by staff and volunteer support drivers. An additional feature of our program is to provide a daily check on our client’s well-being. This short visit is often the highlight of an isolated and lonely client's day.

Meals drivers lined up, preparing for delivery

Is There A Cost 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 in salt.

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 to our facility each morning and kept at proper temperatures until the staff and volunteers begin deliveries between 10:30 and 2:30 p.m.

Are Meals Available In All Areas Of The County?

Marion Senior Services serves all areas of Marion County. Please call (352) 620-3501 to begin the application process.

Who Qualifies for Home-Delivered Meals?

  1. Seniors 60 and over who are frail and homebound.

  2. Adults who are caregivers for a spouse who no longer drives may still qualify to receive a meal.

How Do I Apply?

When referring yourself or someone else, you must call (352) 620-3501 and speak to our Community Resource Specialist 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.

MSS Senior Centers

What If I Drive But Need Meals?

Marion Senior Services (MSS) social and nutrition program gives older adults an opportunity to interact, enjoy activities, and have a hot nutritious meal with others. Members have a chance to meet new people and share interests. In fact, many do, on a regular basis!

Lunchtime meals are served Monday through Friday, at several locations throughout Marion County. All meals meet the highest nutrition standards for seniors and are served in a friendly dining room atmosphere.

Locations

  • Anthony - New Hope Baptist Church, 22402240 NE 86th Lane

  • Dunnellon - The Church of the Holy Faith, 19924 W Blue Cove Drive

  • Marion Oaks - Community Center, 294 Marion Oaks Lane

  • Ocala - Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave, Ocala, FL 34475

  • Meals are provided by food specialist who prepare highly nutritious meals to serve the unique nutritional needs of seniors. Also, we partner with various restaurants throughout the community.

  • Meals are served Monday through Friday, typically at noon.

  • Clients receive meals at no cost. Donations are encouraged to help MSS continue to provide this service.

  • Participants must be age 60 and older, and able to participate without assistance. In addition to meeting established eligibility, individuals must be mobile, not homebound, and physically, mentally, and medically able to attend a congregate nutrition program.

  • Please call the Nutrition Department at (352) 620-3438 for more information.