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-- Programs and Services -- Contact Information 35 years of Williamstown Council on Aging
Senior meals
packaging, "we are the first"
Enhanced
Elder Intervention: Mom has moved
beyond eccentric
From the Director
Tom Kelly Awards Finalist:
Interview with Francesca Byrne
Tom Kelly Award
Finalist: Interview with Edna Sunskis
Elder Services' new staff
New Planner at Elder Services - Jeanne B. Siegel
Senior meals packaging, "we are the first"
In November, Elder Services' Lanesboro kitchen received shipment of a 30-day trial system that has enabled us to become the first such organization in Massachusetts to deliver home meals served in a new, innovative and attractive meal tray that offers several benefits to those who receive our meals. As a fully integrated provider, the agency purchases, prepares and cooks food, as well as packages meals that are delivered through a world class distribution system comprising 32 drivers. Elder Services delivers lunch time meals to the homes of 800 elders in Berkshire County every weekday.
The new meal trays are easy to open, retain heat much better, are able to be warmed, or defrosted, in either a conventional or microwave oven, and are noticeably more attractive than the cardboard covered, aluminum trays that have been used since our kitchen opened eight years ago. The senior meal system, with affordable technology developed by Oliver Products Company, includes a complement of equipment that enables our kitchen and packing operations (in Lanesboro, North Adams and Stockbridge) to prepare each meal in a three-compartment container that is sealed with a transparent polyester film.
When our first meals began rolling out it was most evident that hot meals were holding the heat for a longer time, cold meals were maintaining the cooler temperatures and the trays were much easier to open. Because the cover is transparent, it is easier to see the food as it is served or, for later use, if the tray is properly stored in the refrigerator or freezer. One additional benefit is that since each of the three compartments is sealed, there is no leakage nor movement of food items between compartments.
Training for the packaging system began shortly after Veterans Day. As the food services staff learned how to produce meals in the new container, each driver took the time to acquaint each person on his or her route with upcoming plans for the change. Particular attention was given to providing seniors with basic instructions on opening and reheating hot meals, and reheating frozen meals. As an added safety message, each individual was cautioned not to reheat the meal in a toaster oven because that would start a fire.
The transition from the old aluminum trays to the new meal trays began with a single driver=s route at each packing site. This allowed feedback for other drivers and staff on lessons learned as everyone geared up for the change over. When the traditional Christmas Dinner was served - Roast Beef and Gravy, Red Roasted Potatoes, Butternut Squash, Dinner Roll and Trifle - more than half of all meals served were delivered in the new containers. In January, elders began receiving meals from the Stockbridge site and, as of this publication, plans are in place to begin home deliveries from the North Adams site. In March, in time for the 30th Anniversry of the Elder Nutrition Program - the 1972 Amendment to the Older Americans Act - all home delivered meals will be provided in the new container.
Thus far, we are pleased to report that all satisfaction surveys are extremely positive. This change represents the everyday commitment and dedication of a team of individuals providing needed services to outstanding elders throughout the Berkshires. For more information about any to the Elder Services nutrition programs, call 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242.
For Your Information
NEW SENIOR MEALS FORMER FOIL & PACKAGING SYSTEM LID PACKAGE
Easy/safe to open x
Retains heat x
Competitive cost x x
Attractive appearance x
Reduced cross contamination x Easy-to-process x x
Dual-ovenable x
Environmentally friendly
x
CAUTION: DO NOT HEAT THIS NEW CONTAINER IN A TOASTER OVEN YOU WILL START A FIRE!!
Hot meal re-heating instructions:
$
Peel back lid to vent steam (preferably the large compartment) or slit film in each compartment (optional)$
Re-heat meal in microwave 2-3 minutes maximum on high$
Re-heat meal in conventional oven, place meal on a cookie sheet and set oven at 350 F for 10 minutes maximum
Frozen meal re-heating instructions:
$
Peel back lid to vent steam or slit film in each compartment (optional)$
Heat frozen meals in microwave for 3-5 minutes maximum on high$
Heat frozen meals in conventional oven, place meal on cookie sheet and set oven at 350 F for 30 minutes maximum