Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I qualify to receive meals?
   To be eligible to receive meals, all of the following 4 criteria must be met. You must:
   a. be homebound and unable to shop or walk to a nearby source of food or restaurant;
   b. be unable to cook or prepare meals for yourself due to restrictive physical/mental conditions or frailty;
   c. live alone, in most cases. If another able adult relative or friend lives with you, that person must be unable to prepare food for your meal, if they are gone for the day; and  
   d. you must live within the geographic boundaries served by our organization.



2. What are the boundary lines for Torrance-Lomita Meals on Wheels?
   Our boundaries are: Anza Avenue on the West; Redondo Beach Boulevard on the North; Palos Verdes Drive North on the South; and Western Avenue on the East  (see map)
    
3. I live in Torrance, but west of Anza Ave. How can I get meals delivered?
   You can call the Salvation Army in Redondo Beach at 318-2827. They provide meals on wheels in the West area of Torrance as well as the cities of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Lawndale, and the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
    
4. How can I find out how to reach Meals on Wheels in another City or State?
   Visit the MOW Association of America website and Search by City, State.
    
5. If I meet the eligibility requirements, how soon can I start to receive meals?
   This depends on how many people are ahead of you on our wait lists. The two communities we serve are divided into 8 different routes. For some routes, we have no waiting list, while other routes may have up to 10 persons waiting. It is not uncommon for some people to wait several months before there is room to add them to a route. The maximum number of clients that we can serve is 96.
    
6. How can I get meals started for my parent, grandparent or neighbor?
   Call our office at (310) 542-3434, Monday - Friday, 9 AM to 1:30 PM. You can also email us at . We will provide more information on how to get someone started. When their name reaches the top of the wait list, a trained interviewer will make an appointment to visit and evaluate them before service can begin. A written Client Agreement will be required (see form).
    
7. How much does it cost and how do I pay for the service?
   The cost for two meals is $5.00 per day. We bill on a monthly basis in advance. Meals are delivered Monday through Friday, except on certain holidays. Each month has a set number of days that meals are delivered (see calendar). We accept checks or cash (no credit cards). Our delivery teams hand-deliver your bill near the first day of the month along with your meal. Another delivery team picks up your payment that same week. Monthly bills can also be mailed to someone who writes your checks and they can mail your payment back to us.
    
8. How long can I receive Meals on Wheels?
   As long as there are no changes that affect your eligibility, you can continue to receive the service. We also provide a short-term service to persons temporarily disabled and are recuperating. However, once you are able to cook for yourself or receive assistance with meals, you are taken off the program.
    
9. Who cooks the food and where is it prepared?
    

   St. Vincent Meals on Wheels of Los Angeles cooks and packages the food in their kitchen. Meals are planned by a dietician and are nutritionally balanced to include each of the 4 main food groups. For holidays, a frozen meal is available, delivered in advance, for a cost of $2.50.

10. Is their kitchen operation inspected?
    Yes, the Los Angeles County Health Department conducts unannounced monthly inspections to ensure that food is properly stored, cooked and all sanitary conditions are obeyed. They have an "A" rating.
     
11. Does everyone receive the same food or are there special diets?
    Most clients receive the same hot meal which is usually eaten at mid-day. Special diets for specific medical conditions may be available.
     
12. Who runs Meals on Wheels?
    A volunteer Board of Directors meets every other month to set policy and oversee operations. They hire the staff to supervise the office and kitchen operations. These part-time paid staff members direct over 170 dedicated volunteers.
     
13. What do I have to do if I am interested in becoming a volunteer?
    Volunteering is simple and very rewarding. Whether you are available one hour a week or once per month, we can find ways to help you meet your volunteer needs and goals. To see our operations and/or perhaps ride along on a route with a team, we can arrange a date and time. Just call our office at (310) 542-3434, Monday - Friday, 9 AM to 1:30 PM. We will try to match you with a variety of volunteer jobs. (See application, driver instructions)
     
14. How long does it take to drive a Meals on Wheels route?
    About one hour. All routes are arranged so that it takes about 60 minutes to deliver the 10 to 12 meals in a specific area of Torrance or Lomita. The Health department requires that our meals be delivered within one hour and 15 minutes for maximum health benefits.
     
15. How old do you have to be to volunteer?
    For insurance purposes, our volunteers must be at least 18 years old. All drivers must be 18 years old and possess a valid drivers license and insurance coverage on their personal vehicle.
     
16. Why should I donate to Meals on Wheels? Doesn't the government give you the food and money you need?
    Torrance-Lomita Meals on Wheels is a non-profit (501 C-3) volunteer community service organization without government support or funding. Our client fee of $5 a day covers about 75% of our costs. We could not operate Meals on Wheels without the generous donations from private individuals, church and civic groups, businesses, and corporations (see sponsors). Every tax deductible donation, in whatever amount, helps those we serve.

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