Ninety percent of our Meals on Wheels clients have reported increased consumption of fruits and vegetables since receiving meals. Ninety-two percent report eating better overall since starting Meals on Wheels. Senior Services meals are prepared fresh each weekday morning. Nutrition staff, along with guidance from the American Heart Association and American Dietetic Association, ensure the inclusion of proper nutrients while choosing ingredients and planning menus. We follow these guidelines with great care to provide the best nutrition possible. In Midland County, we prepare and deliver well over 350 hot meals each day, Monday through Friday. Meals on Wheels clients receive a hot meal intended for consumption upon arrival. Many of our clients also receive a cold meal, which is delivered with the hot meal and is intended to be kept in the refrigerator and eaten as a second meal later that day. Frozen meals may also be added to the delivery for a hot meal on Saturday and Sunday. Meals on Wheels not only provides a well-balanced meal, it also combats social isolation. Senior Services has a team of more than 160 volunteers who deliver the meals through 21 routes covering all of Midland County. Oftentimes, the volunteer is the only person the older adult will see that day. Volunteers provide a nutritious meal and a friendly smile, encouraging words and support. Ninety-one percent of Meals on Wheels clients report feeling safer knowing that the volunteer will be checking on them.
Southern Peach Cobbler Serves 15
Ingredients:
• 1½ cups self-rising flour • 1 stick butter • ½ cup water • 2 cups sugar, divided • 4 cups peaches, peeled and sliced • 1 cup milk • Ground cinnamon (optional)
A summer dessert that is just peachy
P
eaches are a nutritious summertime favorite. Peaches are antioxidant-rich, include a wide range of vitamins and minerals, and are rich in fiber. And there is no denying how sweet and tasty peaches can be, whether they’re plucked right from a tree or enjoyed in any number of recipes. Cobbler is a type of dessert that gained popularity in the United States during the 19th century. It is made by putting fruit in a deep baking dish and then topping it with a drop biscuit batter and sometimes a crumb topping. Any number of fruits
work well in cobblers, including apples, pears and various berries. However, peach cobbler is the quintessential summertime treat. Cobbler gets its name from the fact that early American settlers didn’t have strict recipes with exact measurements for ingredients, so they took what they had and “cobbled” them together. Today’s cobbler bakers enjoy the benefits of having more direction when putting together their desserts. This recipe for “Southern Peach Cobbler” comes courtesy of Paula Deen.
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. Combine the peaches, 1 cup sugar, and water in a saucepan and mix well. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat. 3. Put the butter in a 3-quart baking dish and place in oven to melt. 4. Mix remaining 1 cup sugar, flour, and milk slowly to prevent clumping. Pour mixture over melted butter. Do not stir. 5. Spoon fruit on top, gently pouring in syrup. Sprinkle top with ground cinnamon, if using. Batter will rise to top during baking. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes. 6. To serve, scoop onto a plate and serve with your choice of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
In addition to the nutritional and social benefits, the care coordinator also works with the older adult to determine other areas where assistance may be helpful. The assessment addresses home safety hazards and an overall check of how the individual handles all daily tasks. Call 989-633-3700 to speak with a care coordinator to determine if you are eligible for Meals on Wheels. July / August 2022 • Senior Scope
9
