Food factors that matter: Safety, convenience and simplicity

When it comes to food, there are a few things some of us just aren’t willing to compromise: safety, convenience and simplicity, to name a few.

Food safety

Food safety refers to the conditions and practices that preserve the quality of food to prevent contamination and food-borne illnesses. According to the 1 in 6 Americans get sick from contaminated food or beverages and 3,000 die from food-borne illness every year. While anyone can get food poisoning, individuals ages 65+ and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to get sick and to have a more serious illness.

As people age, their immune systems and organs no longer recognize and get rid of harmful germs like they used to. Nearly half of people ages 65+ who have a lab-confirmed food-borne illness from Salmonella, Campylobacter, Listeria or E. coli are hospitalized.

People with weakened immune systems due to chronic diseases like diabetes, liver or kidney disease, and cancer cannot fight germs and sickness as effectively. They’re more likely to have a lengthier illness, undergo hospitalization or even die if they get a food-borne illness.

At Mom’s Meals^®, we go to great lengths to ensure the food safety and quality of every home-delivered meal we produce. We adhere to standards of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Our facilities are also SQF-certified (Safe Quality Food), which confirms Mom’s Meals produces, processes, prepares and handles our food products to the highest possible standards globally.

Convenience

Grabbing a quick, healthy bite isn’t always easy for individuals with chronic conditions, who often must adhere to strict dietary guidelines. For example, people with heart disease must limit their intake of sodium and fat. People with diabetes have to keep tabs on the carbohydrates and sugars they consume. Many people with chronic conditions will tell you food convenience can be quite a challenge.

According to the CDC, 6 in 10 adults in the U.S. have a chronic disease, and 4 in 10 adults have two or more. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that by 2030, all baby boomers will be older than age 65 — expanding the size of the older population so that 1 in every 5 residents will be retirement age. This group requires reduced effort when it comes to preparing and cooking meals. An obvious solution is home-delivered meals, where meals come ready to heat and eat.

At Mom’s Meals, we put convenience in the hands of not only people with chronic conditions, but also their caregivers. We offer health-condition menus — from diabetes friendly and lower sodium to renal friendly and general wellness — each with a tasty variety of options.

Simplicity

Most people heard the phrase, “Keep it simple.” When it comes to food, keeping it simple means eating a balanced diet of fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean meats and low-fat dairy products. It also means steering clear of heavily processed (aka ultra-processed) foods — which tend to be high in sugar, artificial ingredients, refined carbohydrates, and trans fats.

According to research, heavily processed foods are associated with elevated blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. People who regularly consume them are at risk for developing chronic conditions, including stroke, heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. On the other hand, eating a healthy diet has many benefits. Consider:

• Real food is packed with antioxidants and nutrients that support heart health, including magnesium and healthy fats.
• Eating a diet rich in nutritious, unprocessed foods may help reduce inflammation, which is one of the major drivers of heart disease.
• Eating a diet that includes foods like fatty fish, lean meats, vegetables and nuts has been shown to significantly reduce triglyceride levels.
• High-fiber foods help boost digestive function, metabolic health and feelings of fullness.
• Eating a diet high in fibrous plants and unprocessed animal foods may help reduce blood sugar levels in people who have or are at risk for diabetes.
• Several large observational studies link a balanced diet heavy in fruits and vegetables to a decreased risk of cancer and heart disease.
• A diet rich in calcium keeps your teeth and bones strong and can help to slow bone loss (osteoporosis) associated with getting older.

Our Mom's Meals certified professional chefs and registered dietitian nutritionists work together to create well-rounded meals using high-quality foods that our clients love and that provide the specific nutrition they need to help manage their chronic condition. All our meals meet current Dietary Guidelines for Americans, as published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA).

When it comes to food safety, convenience and simplicity, you never have to compromise with Mom’s Meals. Get started with Mom’s Meals today.