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My mom died in January. (I previously posted that she had gotten a bladder infection that messed with her memory and then rapidly declined after that.) My mom was the cook--and a good cook--in the family, and most likely kept my dad healthy. So now he's on his own, at 91, hates other people's cooking (and will toss most of it out if offered it) and orders predominately from fast food places. He will do spaghetti at home with store bought sauce. He will make a salad almost every night. Any suggestions as to good quality, ready-made food services? Stuff he can microwave or pop into the oven? He has the money to pay for such a service, but I suspect it will be a hard sell, as he's a kid of the Depression and is tight with spending it.

Now days there are LOTS of meal services.
Some even have a dedicated oven that you just scan the box and it will cook it as directed. (see that ad a lot)
As far as paying for it if other bills are auto pay a meal delivery could be set up the same way and he would not see a bill. or at least he would not be directly paying for it.
The kicker is if he does not line anyone else's cooking a service like this might be a waste.
Most stores have a ready made food section. Some near the deli area some near the meat or seafood section.
And there is also the option that when you cook for yourself or family you make a few extra portions and pack them and freeze them with heating instructions. Give dad a weeks worth of food and he can heat them up as he wishes.
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Reply to Grandma1954
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Some higher end grocery stores have premade refrigerated meals he can put in the microwave, but you've already said he doesn't like other people's cooking so I think you're chasing after something that may be pointless.

I would take him shopping and show him the pre-made options and see if any look good to him. If he balks at the price then it's because he didn't do the shopping and cooking so he really has no idea -- cooking good, fresh, healthy foods from scratch is barely less expensive that eating out any more.

Also as we age, our tastebuds die and the last ones to go are the ones that sense sweet. Food won't taste the same to him anymore, anyway.

I will say that at 91 (and still grieving) he gets to eat what he wants and how he wants. Is your Dad on any meds for depression? Just a thought to discuss with him and/or his doctor... I'm sorry for the loss of your Mom.
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Reply to Geaton777
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Factor X. Six meals per week, he chooses them every week or they choose and send a box that arrives at his house. All food is fresh, never frozen, and it's tasty, nutritious and filling. Most meals will cover both lunch and dinner, though he can order breakfast entrees as well. Meals heat in the microwave for 2 minutes. No prep or cleanup, just heat and eat. $92 for six meals, which is the smallest plan available.

Check it out online. They might offer a free trial, but I'm not sure.
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Reply to Fawnby
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My husband subscribed for years to Nutrisystem. It's well balanced and all microwavable. The problem we found was in the last few months of orders the food was poorly packaged and we found some things had gone bad. We requested replacements and they sent out a new batch for free. So, if they have fixed they QC problems, it's a good option. You can pick which tier you want. Our food bill did not go up switching to that as it's reasonably priced for what you get. You can do a trial by ordering a la carte at first. To supplement we bought a lot of sugar free protein bars (Atkins). We also like Legendary pastries which are high protein, low sugar and filling.
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Reply to JustAnon
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Sandra2424 Jun 10, 2026
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