Sometimes medical procedures result in a lack of appetite, and getting three meals a day is just overwhelming. How many of us settle for toast and a cup of soup instead of a well-balanced meal? Or maybe you just don’t feel like getting a meal, especially if you’re by yourself.

Several nutrition programs are available through Southern Maine Area on Aging. When you (or a senior friend) are homebound, too busy to cook or unable to get meals, one of the following programs may be a big help. These programs were described in a recent Southern Maine Area on Aging publication and I was surprised to read about some of the nutrition solutions I hadn’t heard about.

• Meals on Wheels is a program many are familiar with. Five meals a week are delivered by volunteers. Menus are offered that are gluten free, low sodium, vegetarian and pureed. Meals on Wheels is used by some every day, year round – and some participants get the meals while they’re recuperating from a medical procedure or an illness than has sapped their energy. Recipients who are able donate $3.50 per meal.

• Simply Delivered is a fairly new program offered to seniors who may not qualify for Meals on Wheels. Simply Delivered provides seven meals a week, all delivered on one day. Meals are frozen and quickly microwaved. They cost $5 per meal, paid in advance by credit card, cash or food stamps. Many receive Simply Delivered following surgery or just to have meals on hand for an emergency.

• Community Cafes offer meals and socialization. Some cafes offer entertainment, bingo or speakers and some feature standard or catered meals. Café days and menus vary. All meals come with an entrée, dessert and beverage. You can register at the location. Anyone 60 or over is eligible. Reservations are required, 48 hours in advance. A donation of $4 for standard meals and $5 for catered meals is suggested. Under age 60 are welcome, but the cost $7. A list of Café locations is at www.smaaa.org.

• Commodity Supplemental Food Program is available to folks 60 and older with extremely limited income (under $1,276 per month for those living alone, $1,726 for two). Commodity food packages are 30 pounds, once a month, and include pasta, cereal, canned meat and vegetables and cheese. Apply for this program via www.smaaa.org. You will need to make arrangements for this package to be picked up at a designated place.

If you are interested in any of these programs, call 396-6500 or visit the website, where you will find sample menus and more information.

Kay Soldier welcomes reader ideas for column topics of interest to seniors. She can be reached by email at kso48@aol.com, or write to 114 Tandberg Trail, Windham, ME 04062.