Collaborative new program to serve seniors during COVID-19 crisis

Originally published on the City of Fort Worth website.

A new collaborative effort led by some of Tarrant County’s leading charitable organizations was established to provide food to senior citizens during the COVID-19 crisis.

Meals On Wheels of Tarrant County has teamed up with United Way and Area Agency on Aging of Tarrant County, Tarrant County, Tarrant Area Food Bank and Catholic Charities Fort Worth. These organizations are addressing food insecurity among this vulnerable population.

Individuals age 60 and above and a spouse who do not have enough food to eat during the COVID-19 outbreak or who are experiencing a reduced level of nutritional support from families and friends may receive supplemental food through this new program.

Program participants will receive a weekly home delivery of five frozen meals (per person) from Meals On Wheels of Tarrant County and a 10-pound box of senior-friendly canned goods and fresh produce from Tarrant Area Food Bank. All items will be delivered by Catholic Charities Fort Worth.

“When Tarrant Area Food Bank called and said they had an idea, we jumped on board. We have the second-largest transportation fleet next to The T, and yet most of our rides are nearly empty due to the stay-at-home requirements,” said Catholic Charities CEO Michael P. Grace. “This is a perfect opportunity for us to work with these incredible powerhouse nonprofits to pivot and employ our vehicles to take the food where it is most needed.”

Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley said organizations have been coming together on a call to plan in this time of emergency. “This is a perfect example of how different agencies on this call have gotten together and developed solutions for not only our current needs, but also anticipating needs that will arise in the coming weeks,” Whitley said.

Client referrals should be made to Meals On Wheels of Tarrant County online or by calling 817-336-0912.