Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions? We want to help.
Below are common questions we receive and the answer you are seeking may already be right here.
- General Questions
- Ordering & Delivery
- Meal Selection, Heating & Storage
- Nutritional Information
How do I sign up for Traditions meals?
Traditions is a third-party manufacturer for senior meal providers. Please contact your local Area Agency on Aging office to request Traditions meals. Click here to search for the nearest office.
Who should I contact for more information?
For detailed information on eligibility and sign-up procedures, contact your local Council on Aging or Area Agency on Aging.
What are the requirements to get Traditions meals?
Requirements vary from state to state. Please contact your local Council on Aging to determine eligibility and specific requirements.
Do Traditions meals contain MSG (monosodium glutamate)?
None of our products contain MSG; however, we encourage all clients with allergies or aversions to read the ingredient statements for all items before consumption.
How much do the meals cost?​
If your meals are approved through your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA), they will be provided at no cost to you.​
Can I buy Traditions meals in grocery stores?
Currently, Traditions meals are not available for purchase in grocery stores.
Why have my meals not been delivered?
Traditions does not handle direct door-to-door delivery. Delivery is managed by the local TRIO unit that uses Traditions meals. If you experience delivery issues, please contact your local TRIO unit for assistance.
How do I stop my meal delivery (temporary or permanent)?
To stop your meal delivery, please contact your local TRIO unit directly. Traditions does not handle individual delivery requests.
I received a box with no label and don't know who it's for. What should I do?
If you receive an unlabeled box, please contact Traditions for assistance. We will help track the shipment and determine the correct recipient.
Can I pick which meals are delivered?
Currently, you cannot select specific meals. We offer a set menu that changes twice annually. We have five different menu weeks to choose from, but the individual meals within those weeks are fixed. However, we value your feedback on meal preferences.
My Traditions box has different juices, breads, and desserts. How do I know what items to eat with each meal?
An insert is included in each Traditions box that contains information on which items should be eaten together for well-balanced, healthy meals.
How do I heat my meals?
Each meal is labeled with cooking instructions for both microwave and conventional ovens. Heating Traditions meals in a toaster oven is not recommended. For microwave, follow the recommended cook times but adjust as necessary for your microwave’s wattage. For conventional ovens, heat most meals at 350°F for 25 minutes. General heating instructions are provided on the insert included in each meal box.
How do I store my Traditions frozen meal?
Keep Traditions meal trays frozen until you are ready to heat and eat. You should eat your Traditions meal within four (4) hours of heating. Do not consume a Traditions meal that has been thawed for more than 48 hours or held at room temperature for more than 4 hours. Thaw juices, breads, margarine, and desserts under refrigeration. Thawed components should be consumed within 7 days.
How do I store and prepare my powdered milk?
Dry milk may be stored at room temperature. Prepared milk should be stored under refrigeration. Mixing instructions are printed on each package of Traditions powdered milk.
Do I need to thaw my meals before heating?
No, our meals are designed to be heated directly from frozen.
How long will my meals last in the freezer?
Our meals are designed to last up to 6 months in the freezer. Please check the packaging for specific expiration dates.
Where can I get a list of allergens for Traditions meals?
Traditions documents and posts information for the Big Eight allergens – milk, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, and peanuts. A complete ingredient list, including allergens, is located on the bottom of each Traditions meal. Allergen information for meals is also available on the Traditions website. Click on any meal for complete ingredient and allergen lists.
What are the nutritional standards for the Traditions Variety Meal Packages?
Traditions’ Registered Dietitians create menus to meet the most frequent nutritional requirements for senior meal programs. Currently, our regular menus meet these nutritional standards: 1/3 DRI for Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, calcium, and zinc; greater than 600 calories; greater than 7 grams of fiber; less than 35% fat; and fewer than 1,200 milligrams of sodium.
What are the nutritional standards for the Traditions Bulk 20-Meal Packages?
Traditions Bulk 20-Meal Packages provide a solid foundation for your meal program with an entrée and two vegetable/fruit servings. The 20-meal bulk package is designed for your program to add bread, milk, juice, and/or dessert to meet your nutritional requirements. Traditions strives to continually lower the fat and sodium content of our meals, while providing substantial vitamin and mineral contributions.
What are the safety and sanitation procedures for the Traditions plant?
Traditions is a USDA inspected facility. Traditions safety and sanitation procedures meet the strict rules and regulations set forth by the USDA. Additionally, a USDA inspector is on-site during production to inspect and approve meals prior to production and shipment.​
What do I do if an item in my frozen meal has expired?
All meal components are packed and frozen by Traditions prior to their expiration dates. Freezing inhibits the growth of bacteria; therefore, frozen items do not deteriorate as quickly as they would under refrigeration or at room temperature. Each Traditions frozen meal is stamped with a date of production and an expiration date. The expiration date is one year after production. Please use the meal expiration date to determine the last date of consumption.​