For individuals facing life-threatening illnesses and struggling to access nutritious food, Project Angel Food stands as a beacon of hope. Our home-delivered meal program is designed to provide crucial support during challenging times. If you, a loved one, or someone you know is in need, our services may be the lifeline you’re seeking. Enrollment is straightforward, and our dedicated Client Services team is ready to assist you every step of the way. Contact us at 800-761-8889 or 323-845-1810 for inquiries or form assistance.
Applying for Project Angel Food Services: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you a new applicant or returning after a break in service longer than 60 days? A complete application is required to begin receiving meals from Project Angel Food. This includes a medical information form that must be completed by your healthcare provider.
The application is readily available for download in both English and Spanish, ensuring accessibility for a wider community. Should you require the application in another language, please reach out to us, and we will gladly provide assistance. (For those returning to service within 60 days, a simple call to Client Services might be all it takes to restart your deliveries.)
Medical Recertification Form: Download here in English
Once your application is submitted, our team will carefully review it to determine eligibility. Due to the high demand for our services, please allow up to one month for the complete review process. We appreciate your patience.
Eligible applicants will be contacted for an intake interview. This crucial step allows us to explain our program in detail, understand your dietary needs, and establish a suitable meal plan and delivery schedule tailored to you. For applicants who are not eligible, we are committed to providing information on alternative food resources within the community to ensure everyone has access to support.
Recertification for Continued Meal Delivery
For current Project Angel Food clients requiring recertification, the process is streamlined. Simply have your healthcare provider complete the Medical Recertification form, conveniently available for download here.
At Project Angel Food, we uphold the highest standards of client privacy and confidentiality. All protected health information is handled with utmost care, adhering strictly to HIPAA regulations and all other applicable laws. Your trust and privacy are paramount to us.
Frequently Asked Questions About Project Angel Food’s Meal Delivery Service
To provide clarity and address common queries, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about our medically tailored meal delivery program.
Delivery Day and Schedules
1. When will I receive my Project Angel Food delivery?
Project Angel Food operates seven days a week, ensuring consistent access to nutritious meals. Our dedicated drivers start their routes from our Hollywood kitchen, delivering across Los Angeles County. Delivery routes are strategically planned based on geographic location to optimize efficiency. For instance, deliveries to the high desert areas are currently scheduled for Thursdays and Saturdays.
Your specific delivery day is assigned based on your location and route availability. We strive to accommodate client preferences and schedules whenever feasible. Generally, clients maintain the same delivery day each week for consistency.
2. Can my delivery day be changed if needed?
Yes, adjustments to your delivery day are possible. Whether it’s at your request, due to route availability, or to enhance overall service efficiency, changes can be made. If a change is necessary, we will provide you with advance notice and consider any related requests you may have.
3. How many deliveries does each driver handle daily?
Our delivery drivers are the heart of our service, performing a demanding yet deeply meaningful role. To ensure their well-being and maintain service quality, we aim to limit regular routes to a maximum of 45 stops. While the exact number may fluctuate weekly, consistently larger routes prompt us to create new routes in those areas, benefiting both our drivers and clients.
4. What is the typical delivery time window?
Drivers begin their routes around 7:30 a.m. from our Hollywood kitchen, with the first deliveries starting around 8 a.m. Most deliveries are completed by 3 p.m. Therefore, your delivery window is between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on your assigned delivery day. While delivery times are generally consistent, some variations may occur due to routing optimization. We utilize professional routing software to create the most efficient routes daily, maximizing our service reach.
5. Can I request a specific delivery time?
While we cannot typically guarantee delivery at a precise time, we understand that unforeseen circumstances arise. For one-time special needs, such as medical appointments, we will make every effort to accommodate your request. Please contact Client Services to discuss your situation.
6. Is bi-weekly delivery an option?
Yes, Project Angel Food can accommodate bi-weekly delivery schedules for clients whose needs align with this option. Please discuss this with Client Services during your intake interview or contact us to adjust your current schedule.
7. Can I receive only breakfasts or supplemental items?
No, Project Angel Food focuses on providing comprehensive “medically tailored meals.” These meals are meticulously designed by professionals to address specific medical conditions and promote client health and well-being. Our supplemental breakfast and fruit bags are intended to complement our frozen entrees, not as standalone meal provisions.
8. Will I receive a delivery reminder?
Our drivers strive to provide a courtesy call 10 to 20 minutes before arrival as a delivery reminder. Project Angel Food is also exploring text message reminders for deliveries to further enhance client communication, although this service is not currently available.
Delivery Procedures and Policies
9. What happens if I miss my delivery?
If you are unreachable at the time of delivery, our drivers and/or Client Services will attempt to contact you using the phone number on record. If contact is unsuccessful after a reasonable attempt and wait time, the delivery is considered a “non-delivery,” and the driver will proceed with their route.
10. Can meals be left if I am not home?
No, Project Angel Food maintains a strict hand-delivery policy. For health and safety reasons, meals cannot be left unattended if not properly stored. Our delivery vans are refrigerated to ensure safe transport, but our meals are not packaged in refrigerated containers and require immediate refrigeration or freezing upon delivery. Furthermore, personal interaction with our caring drivers is a valued aspect of our service, fostering a sense of community and compassion.
Clients may leave a cooler outside for meal placement, but this is done at the client’s own risk, and Project Angel Food cannot assume responsibility for meals left in this manner.
11. What if the driver cannot access my apartment?
Hand-delivery to the client or a designated representative is essential. During the intake process, we request clear delivery instructions to ensure smooth deliveries. If direct street access to your apartment is not possible, we require access for deliveries or alternative arrangements must be made. Please provide detailed instructions regarding building access, gate codes, or any specific directions.
12. Can I provide a key for apartment access?
No, for security and policy reasons, Project Angel Food drivers cannot accept keys for client apartments. This policy is in place to protect both our clients and drivers.
13. Can delivery be made to an alternate location or person?
Yes, delivery to an alternate person at a nearby location, such as a building manager or neighbor, can be arranged. Please notify us at least two days in advance to arrange an alternate delivery. For alternate deliveries outside your immediate geographic area, please provide at least one week’s notice for logistical arrangements.
14. Can I pick up my meals from Project Angel Food directly?
Yes, clients who miss a scheduled delivery can arrange to pick up their meals at our location: 922 Vine Street, Los Angeles, CA 90038. Please contact us at least one day prior to schedule a pickup time between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays. Regular meal pickups instead of home delivery can also be arranged.
15. What if I need to miss a delivery?
If you know you will be unavailable for a scheduled delivery, please contact Client Services at least one full day in advance to cancel the delivery. This allows us to minimize food waste and adjust delivery routes efficiently.
16. What if I will be away for an extended period?
Project Angel Food can place “medical holds” on deliveries for up to 60 days for medical reasons. Non-medical holds are available for up to 30 days. Absences exceeding these durations may result in service termination. However, former clients are welcome to reapply for services if needed in the future.
17. What if I have a dog?
During the intake interview, please inform us if you have a dog on the premises so we can notify our drivers. While we appreciate our clients’ animal companions, we kindly request that any aggressive animals be properly restrained during deliveries to ensure driver safety. Incidents involving animal attacks may unfortunately lead to immediate service termination.
18. Will drivers assist with meal storage inside my home?
Project Angel Food drivers and volunteers deliver meals directly to your door. To protect the health and safety of both clients and drivers, entering client apartments to assist with meal storage is generally not permitted. At their discretion, drivers or volunteers may choose to assist clients with putting away deliveries but are not required to do so.
19. What if my apartment is not sanitary?
Project Angel Food’s services focus on providing meals and do not include managing clients’ living conditions. However, for home delivery to be safely maintained, we ask that home environments meet general hygiene standards. Extreme cases of unsanitary or unsafe living conditions may result in temporary service suspension until the situation is addressed.
20. What if my phone number is no longer working?
A working phone number is a service requirement to ensure we can communicate with you regarding deliveries and any service-related issues. Please update your phone number with us immediately if it changes. If your number is non-working, we may attempt to contact your emergency contact, case manager, or representative to obtain an updated number. A non-working number may result in an immediate service hold. Failure to provide a working phone number within 30 days of a hold will lead to service termination.
21. What happens if I repeatedly miss deliveries without notice?
Missing a delivery without prior notification is considered a “non-delivery.” After a non-delivery, Project Angel Food will follow up to confirm your well-being and reiterate delivery policies. Service termination may occur after (1) two consecutive non-deliveries or (2) six non-deliveries within a six-month period. Exceptions may be made for extraordinary circumstances, such as hospitalization. Former clients are eligible to reapply for service.
22. What if a delivery issue is Project Angel Food’s fault?
If a missed delivery or error is due to circumstances within Project Angel Food’s control, we will promptly coordinate a make-up delivery as soon as possible, either on the same day or the following day.
23. What if there are issues with my delivered meals?
We strive for flawless deliveries every time. However, occasional errors may occur. If you experience any issues, such as missing items or damaged packaging, please inform us. Your feedback helps us improve our processes and prevent future occurrences. Due to delivery limitations, replacement deliveries for minor errors may not always be feasible.
24. Does Project Angel Food conduct wellness checks during deliveries?
Yes, reflecting our care for our clients’ overall well-being, our personal deliveries include informal wellness checks. Our direct client interaction sometimes brings potential concerns to our attention. Delivery personnel are trained to report any significant changes in a client’s condition or concerning circumstances to our Client Services team. This enables us to follow up with the client or their support network, offering referrals or additional resources as needed.
Importantly, Project Angel Food provides services regardless of citizenship status and never shares client information with immigration authorities.
25. How can I share feedback or concerns about the service?
Project Angel Food welcomes and values client feedback as it is essential for continuous improvement and client satisfaction. We conduct an annual client survey each summer and invite departing clients to participate in a brief exit survey. Beyond these surveys, feedback is welcome at any time.
If you have any concerns about your health or safety related to our meals, please contact us immediately with detailed information. Our Quality Assurance Specialist will investigate and address any such concerns. In case of a medical emergency, always call 911.
26. What if I love the meals and service?
Positive feedback is always appreciated! Please share your success stories, improvements in health, appreciation for our staff and volunteers, or any positive experiences with Project Angel Food. Your positive feedback strengthens our community support and enables us to reach and serve even more individuals in need. It is our privilege to serve you, and we are grateful to know our work makes a difference.
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Our Commitment to Client Privacy
Project Angel Food deeply values the privacy of our clients and all individuals who seek our assistance. Our Notice of Privacy Practices reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting your personal information.
We adhere to HIPAA regulations and all applicable federal, state, and local laws concerning protected health information. This includes robust data security measures and comprehensive staff and volunteer training in handling private information. We obtain client consent for the use of protected health information and respect the right to limit or revoke this consent.
Private information is used solely for essential operational purposes: determining eligibility, tailoring meal plans and services, providing nutrition counseling, and managing contractual payment, treatment, or operational needs. We only access and utilize the information necessary for these specific tasks.
For any questions or concerns regarding privacy, please contact Client Services at (323) 845-1810 or via email at [email protected]. We are here to ensure your experience with Project Angel Food is supportive, respectful, and confidential.
