By
now we all know that with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) the most
vulnerable are our elderly and those with underlying health issues.
For us at Meals on Wheels this brings great concern because many of
our clients are both elderly and infirm; this disease puts them at an
even greater risk, however what they need more than anything else now
is to have proper nutrition, sanitary conditions and safeguarding.
Jennifer West, General Manager for Meals on Wheels states, “No
population is at higher risk from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) than the
vulnerable seniors who depend on Meals on Wheels to deliver meals and
services. We are working closely with government agencies and
information services to stay on top of our ever changing situation.”

Board
Chairman, Rob Imparato confirms, “We are striving to continue to
provide meals to our seniors but it will get harder and harder due to
lack of human resources and financial restraints. We have had to
postpone our first fundraiser of the year, the Change for Change Coin
Drive and will likely have to do the same with our largest annual
event, the “Orange You Glad Gala”, currently scheduled for May
9th. During a time when requests for service are likely to increase
as seniors are urged to stay at home, not having these events will
greatly impact our ability to serve our seniors.” He encourages the
community to support the seniors in whatever way they can during
these difficult times. With many establishments facing their own
difficulties, MOW representatives praise the selflessness of Seven
Fathoms Cayman Spirits who have provided hand sanitizer for
volunteers to carry while they deliver meals. Rum Point Restaurant,
who is having to close its doors during this time and donated fresh
fruit, vegetables, milk, buns and other perishable items that have
been distributed to the 4 district kitchens and will be used in this
week's meal distribution.

The
MOW service model is about much more than just delivering a meal,
it’s also about social interaction and checking on people. Ms West
confirms that “we need to continue to provide meals without
compromising their health. All volunteers who have travelled or been
in close contact with anyone who has travelled in the past 15 days
have been rotated off the delivery rosters for a period of at least 2
weeks, the same is true for anyone who has any flu-like symptoms.
Extra measures have been implemented and will continue to increase
including distance during delivery or wellness checks with the
seniors and although supplies are a challenge we have been doing our
best to maintain a supply of hand sanitiser, gloves and lysol spray
for steering wheels, door handles and car interiors for volunteers.”
MOW will continue to do whatever is necessary to protect our
vulnerable seniors while ensuring that they receive the nutrition and
services they need. Ms West went on to explain that a part of the
organization's contingency plan is in partnership with Mise en Place
and Boxed who are prepared to provide enough frozen meals that we
would like to deliver for seniors to have meals for a few days or

up
to 2 weeks worth of meals. Many of our seniors have special dietary
needs and Mise en Place have been a wonderful community partner who
caters to all those needs on an individual basis.

One
of the major issues that MOW Chairman, Mr Imparato highlights is that
“not all of our seniors have access to a kitchen or even a
microwave, there are also others who are unable to eat solids. Many
are housebound and others live alone leaving them unable to access
much needed products.” In maintaining day to day operations while
also planning for the uncertain short-term and long-term changes
ahead, Ms. West and her team are prepared for the worst while hoping
for the best. In a measure of preparedness for MOW seniors, the
organization is hoping to put together what Ms West calls “MOW
COV-KITS”, these would essentially be grocery bags that contain
items that do not require cooking and other essential products,
specifically for the nearly 30 seniors who are without kitchen to
heat a meal; other seniors would be provided with goods that would
enable them to make additional meals due to the increasing need to
isolate while living alone. Meals on Wheels has provided a list of
the items would be most needed, donors are asked to keep in mind that
many seniors or diabetic or suffer from hypertension so low sugar and
low sodium products are requested for the most part.

-
Sliced bread

-
Bread rolls/bulla/bun

-
Peanut butter

-
Jam/Jelly

-
Crackers (saltiness, water, Ritz, premium)

-
Pre-cooked sliced meat (turkey)

-
Sliced cheese

-
Corned beef

-
Vienna sausages

-
Tuna (in water)

-
Canned beans

-
Canned corn

-
Cup a soup

-
Corn flakes cereal (or other low sugar)

-
Long life milk

-
Evaporated milk

-
Fruit cups

-
Ensure

-
Peppermint tea

-
Ovaltine

-
Soy mix

-
Vitamin C

-
Oatmeal packets

-
Juice boxes (100% juice)

-
Microwave ovens (in good condition)

-
Blenders (personal size, in good condition)

-
Hand sanitizers/Hand Soa

-
Depends (Women's M & L and Men's L)

Organisers
have announced that from Thursday, March 19th through Tuesday, March
31st a donation drop off box will be available Tuesdays and Thursdays
from 11am to 2pm at 1428 Trafalgar Place, West Bay Road on the ground
floor. All items will be sanitized prior to packing and distributing
to seniors.

We
recognize that everyone is facing their own personal economic
challenges during this very uncertain time, however, for just $5 you
can ensure that we can continue to serve the seniors we serve and
that no one is left hungry or isolated, in line with isolation and
social distancing, we encourage donations be made online through Bank
of Butterfield direct deposit to Cayman Islands Meals on Wheels or
via www.pledgeasenior.com.
Should you have questions or require further details please contact
Meals on Wheels at 769-1974 or info@mealsonwheels.ky.