Douglas County meal resources

Brooke Mess, registered dietitian with Food and Nutrition Services at Alomere Health will often hand out the following information to seniors who are patients at Alomere Health in Alexandria if they are looking for resources for meals.

She said many patients use Meals on Wheels, Homestyle Direct or Mom’s Meals, which she said are all great programs that provide frozen meals to an individual’s home. And she said, they are commonly able to get this covered by insurance, depending on insurance plan and age.

The list comes from the Douglas County Senior Office, 320-762-3047.

Douglas County Food Shelf

320-762-8411

1405 Lake St, Alexandria Douglas County University of Minnesota Extension Service

320-762-3890

Offers nutrition counseling and teaching free of charge to individuals and groups. Will take individuals shopping to learn/relearn: how to budget, store food properly and prepare it.

Elden’s Grocery Delivery

320-763-3446

Call between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday to place an order or email Elden’s to order. Delivery is in the afternoon. Pay by credit card, check, or cash.

Farmers to Families Food Box Program

218-838-2379

2702 Hwy 29, Alexandria

Distribution is 2nd Wednesday monthly, starting at noon. Not based on income level or age.

Home Delivered Meals

320-762-4280 or 1-877-677-3319

Nutrition Services, Inc.

Nutritionally balanced hot meal delivered to the home.

Homestyle Direct

866-735-0921

Website: www. homestyledirect.com

Meals are prepared with fresh ingredients, then immediately flash-frozen, which prevents moisture loss in the food when it thaws. To request a menu, information, or place an order, call or order online 24/7. Menus are updated seasonally.

Meals on Wheels

320-762-2087

Located at the Alexandria Senior Center, 414 Hawthorne Street, Alexandria Go to the Meals on Wheels America website and enter your zip code to find one nearest to you.

Mom’s Meals

877-508-6667

Website: www.momsmeals.com

Choose from more than 45 meals that are nutritionally balanced. Each meal is made from scratch, vacuumpacked and delivered to your door by UPS or FedEx in an insulated container.

Nutrition Assistance Programs for Seniors (NAPS)

320-762-3047 (Douglas County Senior Coordinator) Those who qualify will receive a free box of food each month. Pick-up is on the 2nd Thursday of each month, from noon to 2 p.m. Must be 60 years or older and meet income guidelines. Apply online or receive application assistance from Dinara Dykema, call 320-762-3047.

United Way – Douglas County Mobile Food Drop

320-834-7800

1910 Co. Rd 82 SE, Alexandria

Registration begins at 9 a.m.

Distribution of food begins at 11 a.m. Register to receive a number that coordinates with a spot in line. Takes place once a month at New Life Christian Church. No income guidelines or requirements. Scheduled food drop is the last Thursday of the month.

Makes 12

Ingredients

½ pound ground sausage (pork or turkey)

12 eggs

½ cup chopped onion

½ cup chopped bell pepper (any color)

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions (before you begin, wash your hands)

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a muffin tin that has 12 spaces.

2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and stir in sausage; cook and stir sausage until crumbled, evenly brown, and no longer pink. About 10 to 15 minutes. Drain meat.

3. Beat eggs in a large bowl. Stir in onion, bell pepper, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix in sausage and cheddar cheese.

4. Spoon egg mixture into muffin tins. About 1/3 cup per muffin cup.

5. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. Muffins will be ready when a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

Recipe courtesy of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Makes 8 servings

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup chopped onion

2 garlic cloves, minced

1½ pounds ground turkey

1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 14½-ounce can low-sodium diced tomatoes with chilies

1 15-ounce can pizza sauce

Notes:

► Want lower cholesterol? Use half egg whites or an egg substitute.

► Adding more vegetables to your egg muffins is a great way to increase fiber, vitamins and minerals to your daily intake. Try mushrooms, spinach or tomatoes for more variety.

► For more spice, add crushed red chili pepper flakes, jalapenos or a dash of chili powder.

► Make a couple of large batches to keep in the freezer for an easy breakfast.

1 10.75-ounce can reduced-sodium tomato soup

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 tablespoon reduced-sodium Worcestershire sauce

¼ teaspoon ground pepper

Directions (before you begin, wash your hands)

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.

2. Add onion and garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes until golden brown.

3. Add turkey, cook until broken up and browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer turkey mixture to a slow-cooker.

4. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cook on low heat for 8 hours or high heat for 4 hours.