We Respond to COVID-19

Our Meals on Wheels chapter is doing our best to deal with the effects of this Coronavirus pandemic and Ohio’s “Shelter in Place” order from Governor DeWine. Many of our subscribers are in the highest-risk demographic for the virus, as are many of our volunteers. In addition, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland — the church where we assemble our meals — is closed for the foreseeable future. Although the church offered to let us continue to use the kitchen, we were very concerned that we would not be able to adequately clean and sanitize the kitchen for safe food assembly in this time of high risk. As a result, we suspended our regular deliveries as of March 18, 2020.

The L.A. Times published an article on March 31, 2020, suggesting ways people can support seniors: 

• Regular communications with seniors from a distance is extremely important. Family and caregivers need to know what medications seniors are taking and make sure they have an adequate supply of other essentials such as food and cleaning supplies.
• The AARP and other groups recommend seeking out a ‘buddy’ — someone who will check in on them, stock up on supplies, and if needed assist with self-care.
• Numerous neighborhood groups and non-profits are working to organize efforts for seniors and deliver food services and essential goods safely.

What have we done? Our volunteers have reached out to all subscribers on a weekly basis in order to assess individual needs and make sure each person has a sufficient supply of food (Thank You Picnic Hill Market!) and we are providing COVID Care Packages to all subscribers which include non-perishable food and personal items (see below). We will continue to keep in touch with our subscribers throughout the summer. We are hopeful that we will be able to resume service this summer; however, no date has been set and many new procedures will need to be put into place before we can do so.

COVID-19 CARE PACKAGES

Laura Rowan and Kerianne Hearns have combined their talents to fill COVID Care Packages for our subscribers. These are similar to the “Snow Bags” we give our subscribers in the winter to help them when we can’t deliver food. The bags are filled with non-perishable food and toiletries including soaps, Kleenex and wipes. We are delivering one bag to each subscriber each month. Our subscribers appreciate receiving these bags and the little surprises contained in them. Thank you Laura and Kerianne!

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