Meals on Wheels of Southwest Michigan Launches Medically Appropriate Home-Delivered Meals for Seniors with Chronic Conditions Thanks to the Berrien Community Foundation ‘For Good’ Grant

Media Contact:

Linda Tinsley

Executive Director

Senior Nutrition Services / Meals on Wheels of SW Michigan

(269) 925-0137

LTinsley@snsmeals.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 27, 2026

Berrien County, MI — Senior Nutrition Services Region IV, Inc., doing business as Meals on Wheels of Southwest Michigan, is proud to announce the launch of its new Medically Appropriate Home-Delivered Meals program, designed to support seniors living with chronic health conditions including diabetes, kidney disease, high blood pressure , and heart disease. 

This innovative program is made possible through a generous “For Good” grant from the Berrien Community Foundation, with a special emphasis on expanding access to high-quality nutrition for seniors living in rural areas of Berrien County, where barriers to food access and healthcare are often greatest. 

 Medically appropriate meals are nutritionally balanced, home-delivered meals designed to support individuals managing diet-related health conditions. Meals are developed with input from a registered dietitian and follow established nutrition guidelines. When available, locally grown produce and proteins are incorporated to support both individual health outcomes and the regional agricultural economy. All meals are prepared locally by JA Food Services, a long-standing and trusted partner of Meals on Wheels of Southwest Michigan. 

“Food is about so much more than just filling a plate. It plays a key role in health, independence, and quality of life,” said Linda Tinsley, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels of Southwest Michigan. “We are intentional about offering meals made with nourishing ingredients, because our homebound seniors deserve food that truly supports their health. These meals help people manage ongoing health needs while honoring dignity, personal choice, and overall well-being.” If you or your loved one needs these services, please contact our office at (269) 925-0137 for further information. 

By introducing medically appropriate meals, Meals on Wheels of Southwest Michigan continues to evolve its services to meet the complex and growing needs of older adults, particularly those facing health challenges and geographic isolation. The program reinforces the organization’s commitment to health-focused nutrition, local partnerships, and equitable access to services for seniors across the region. 

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About SNS/ Meals on Wheels of Southwest Michigan 

Meals on Wheels of Southwest Michigan serves older adults and vulnerable residents across Berrien and Van Buren counties by delivering nutritious meals and reducing social isolation. The organization currently provides more than 11,000 meals each month through home-delivered and congregate meal programs, supporting health, independence, and dignity for those most at risk of nutrition insecurity. 

As demand continues to grow and the complexity of nutritional needs increases, community investment is essential to sustain and expand these vital services—particularly for those managing chronic health conditions.  



For more information about SNS/MOWSWM, call (269) 925-0137 or visit www.snsmeals.org. 

About the Berrien Community Foundation 

Berrien Community Foundation is a center of philanthropy in Berrien County with over $120 million in assets. The Foundation works with donors to help them achieve their charitable giving goals and create their individual charitable legacies through current and life-end giving and estate planning. BCF also provides grants for programs and projects addressing critical, ever-changing community needs and a robust scholarship program for Berrien County students. For information about BCF, call (269) 983-3304 or visit www.berriencommunity.org. 

About the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber: The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber is a non-profit business advocacy and collective-impact organization serving Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties. Established in 1954, the Chamber works to strengthen regional assets, advocate for regional priorities, and cultivate an economic ecosystem that prepares the region for future opportunities.