Remember when you were a kid, and it was so exciting when your parents went out for the evening, because that meant you got to eat a tv dinner? It did not really matter that it all tasted like aluminum because the name itself gave you permission to eat it while watching television!
Frozen dinners have come a long way since then. They are even more convenient now that they can be microwaved, but we do need to make sure to read the nutritional information. How can you be sure that you are getting something that not only tastes good but is good for you? It can all be so confusing.
Sister’s Home Style Entrees (SHSE) to the rescue! Located in Humboldt, Iowa, SHSE is meeting the needs of seniors who for whatever reason cannot fix their own meals every night. “People are living longer so we have more seniors trying to say at home longer, but if they don’t eat well, they can’t,” says Tanya Pfibsen, Business Development Representative. “Sister’s is trying to bridge that gap.”
Current SHSE Owner and CEO, Mary Catherine Ferry, knows first-hand the benefit of having healthy meals on hand. Ferry is the caregiver for her aunt and says having home-delivered meals can provide “great peace of mind for both the elderly and the caregiver. I can check the freezer to make sure she’s eating nutritious food.” It is also a source of comfort and dignity, “a trusted resource for individuals and families navigating the challenges of aging, recovery, and caregiving.”
You do not have to be “of a certain age” to purchase meals from Sister’s. They are great to have on hand for a myriad of reasons, with lack of time and energy being high on the list. Deanna of Clinton, Iowa, says, “During my 80 years, I enjoyed preparing meals for myself and family members. I took pride in being a very good cook. The years have taken their toll, and I am no longer able to see well or navigate. Sister’s takes good care of me now.”
However, if you are “of a certain age,” check with your Medicaid representative or your local DHS to see if you qualify for free meals. Sister’s participates in state-sponsored Medicaid programs for Iowa, Minnesota, & Illinois; including Elderly, Ill & Handicap (Health and Disability), Aids and HIV Waivers.
There is no doubt that Sister’s meals are convenient, but do they taste good? Just ask Barbara of Boone, Iowa, who says, “I have fallen in love with Sister’s meals because they are just like my grandmother used to cook, and personally, they are the best one out there – no doubt! They put the others to shame.”
Sister’s believes that a simple meal can do more than nourish – it can support independence, strengthen confidence, and bring comfort to both the individual and those who care for them. Brad from Ames agrees, “I am very grateful for your awesome meals. Keep up the good work! Good quality and good selections! You make my life a little easier and less stressful.”
The meals are also nutritious, meeting one-third of daily national average for calories for state-funded requirements. There are 20 meals to choose from, including breakfast meals, and those rotate every three months, so clients have a variety. The roast beef and lasagna dinners, however, are always available as those are fan favorites.
The company’s history of growth speaks for itself. SHSE was started in 2011 in a small building by Deb Davis to provide ready-made family meals for those who needed them. At the end of one year, they averaged 200 meals each month. Their customers suggested individual meals, and today (after several moves into larger facilities) the Sister’s team prepares 90,000/month, cooking 6,000 meals per day, four days per week. Meals are prepared, frozen, and packaged in insulated boxes with gel packs before being delivered to eight Midwest states. They deliver 450-500 boxes per day, with 7-18 meals per box.
Says Pfibsen, “Over our 15 years, we have morphed into what we do now. The progress has come from the need of the people, answering a call that’s needed for so many people. The growth proves we’re needed.”
Now that your appetite is whet, check out how to order and the meal offerings on their website at Sistersentrees.com, or call them at 515-332-1928. Sister’s does not require a subscription or monthly minimum, but to have meals delivered there is a seven-meal minimum. Meals are $9.25 each for delivered meals; $7.25 each if you pick them up. A three-day lead time is required.
Ferry sums it up well, “I am honored to own and lead an amazing company full of employees dedicated to helping people! At Sister’s Home Style Entrees we provide peace of mind to loved ones, caregivers and anyone just needing a little help to make life easier with delicious and convenient meals!”
All that, and you can eat it in front of the TV!
This article was originally published in CHOICES For Fifty Plus, a Dubuque area magazine for people that are 50 and older. Single copies are available at Dubuque area newsstands or click here to read the digital version of the latest issue.
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