Priority Meal Program for HIV/AIDS Consumers

WHAT IS THE PRIORITY MEALS PROGRAM?
Coastline Elderly Nutrition Priority Meals Program provides hot nutritional meals to HIV/AIDS consumers. It is funded under the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Participants of this program must meet all of the below requirements.

WHEN ARE MEALS DELIVERED?
Hot meals are delivered Monday through Friday between the hours of 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. For those requiring seven meals a week, two frozen meals may be purchased for the weekend. A total of up to five meals a week are provided to each consumer. Those requiring less assistance may receive meals one, two, three, or four days.

CONFIDENTIALITY
All information received on consumers is coded so that no names are used. This information is used strictly for reporting purposes as mandated by the funding source. Information is used for statistical compilation. Confidentiality is of utmost importance to Coastline Elderly Services, Inc. and its staff. Under no circumstances is any information regarding a consumer released to another agency or persons without written consent from that consumer.

DELIVERY POLICY
Consumers must be home to accept the meals. It is against State and City regulations to leave a meal at someone's door. This regulation is to prevent possible contamination to the food which could cause a health risk to those already weakened by an illness. Meals should be consumed immediately upon arrival or placed in the refrigerator immediately for use later that day.

If a consumer is not going to be home to receive his/her meal we ask that you call 508-999-6400 ext. 194 or ext. 188 at least 24 hours in advance to cancel your meal. Early cancellation prevents us from wasting food that could otherwise go to someone else who may need it and allow us to serve more consumers and possibly prevent a waiting list for services.

NUTRITION
Coastline Elderly Nutrition Program makes every effort to ensure that the meals are well balanced nutritious meals. Proper nutrition is a vital component for everyone, especially those who are at health risk and need support to maintain optimal health.

Some modifications of the diet can be made for those with diabetes. A low fat milk and fresh fruit for dessert can be substituted for regular milk and baked desserts.

HOLIDAYS
Special Holiday hot meals will be delivered by volunteers on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

INCLIMATE WEATHER
Coastline Elderly Nutrition Program will make every effort to deliver meals during bad weather. However, in the event of a major snow storm, hurricane or other emergency situations where road conditions are hazardous, consumers should listen to WBSM and WNBH radio in the morning. If they announce that the elderly meals sites are closed, it is a good indication that evening meals will not be delivered. Consumers can also call the office to verify at (508)999-6400 x194 or x188. Each client will receive a two meal emergency meal pack for such emergencies. Each pack contains shelf stable items that can be saved for such purposes. Meal packs will be replaced automatically when meal service has been disrupted due to bad weather or other emergencies.

OTHER AVAILABLE SERVICES
The following services are also available to participants of the program:

HOW DO I GET PRIORITY MEALS?
A letter of support from your doctor is the first step in getting on the program.

You must then contact us directly at Coastline Elderly Services, Inc. 508-999-6400 ext.194 or ext. 188 or you may go through an agency that is already providing other services for you. They will call in a referral to us for meals. We accept referrals from:

HOW DO I GET ADDITIONAL INFORMATION?
For more information please call: (508)999-6400 ext. 194 or ext. 188.

ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED IS KEPT COMPLETELY CONFIDENTIAL.