We’ve all been seeing, hearing, and reading about “essential workers” across the nation for the past several weeks. Those that come to mind first are most likely doctors, nurses, pharmacists, grocery store workers…but there’s another group that is vital to our elderly population, and you can help locally.
Eagle Grove and Goldfield Meals-on-Wheels are still being delivered, according to site-operator Loretta Baker. The food is being made, but they are in need of more people to deliver them, and they are hoping our community will answer the call for help.
“Most of our people that deliver Meals-on-Wheels are over 65, “ said Baker.
We all know that is the population with the highest recommendation to stay home. That’s why Baker is reaching out to the younger members of the community, realizing that many people who may normally be at work during the lunch hour may now be home and willing to help.
“I don’t think the general public is aware how things work up here,” she said.
On average, they prepare 100 meals a day. Roughly 60 of those are delivered through Meals-on-Wheels to Eagle Grove residents, and another 25 or so are taken to Goldfield. The remainder of the meals are individuals picking up and taking meals home through Congregate meals.
Baker said they are looking for approximately six people to divide up into groups of two for each day.
“It works best if you have a driver and a runner (who delivers the meal to the doorstep), and if you have a van, SUV, or truck,” she said.
As directed from the state, when meals are delivered, you are to knock on the door, set the meal just inside the door and announce loudly “Meals-on-Wheels” and then leave.
“We are delivering hot meals for lunch as well as a snack for supper,” added Baker, hopefully eliminating the need for them to have to go out at all for groceries.
Meal delivery begins at 10:30 a.m. and usually takes under an hour.
If you would be willing to sign up to deliver meals (preferably for a week at a time), you are encouraged to call the Senior Center at 448-5365 before 1 p.m., or call Baker at 603-6324.
