Today, Meals on Wheels People will give take-home meals to its congregant dining patrons in Clark County, as well as Multnomah and Washington counties in Oregon. The move to help prevent the spread of coronavirus affects local dining centers in Vancouver, La Center, Amboy, Battle Ground and Washougal. Regular diners can visit the dining centers again between 10 a.m. and noon Monday to pick up meals.
Meals on Wheels People will continue delivering meals to homebound seniors using a noncontact delivery method. Volunteers and clients are asked to keep a 6-foot distance from one another to help prevent the possible spread of COVID-19. Volunteers who have a cough or any flu symptoms are asked to stay at home rather than risk exposure.
“We want to ensure the safety of our employees, participants and our volunteers,” said Meals on Wheels People CEO Suzanne Washington. “Because we work with an older population that is more vulnerable to the effects of the coronavirus, we are being especially vigilant in light of the current environment.”
Meals on Wheels seeks donations of hand sanitizer, antibacterial wipes, plastic gloves and bags with handles to use for packaging meals. Donations can be dropped off at the nonprofit’s central kitchen, 7710 S.W. 31st Ave., in Portland, or donations can be made online at mowp.org/donate. Those interested in volunteering to deliver meals can visit mowp.org/volunteer.
