We are still reeling from the effects of the Global Pandemic. As we know, many businesses, corporations, and organizations have learned the definition of the word Pivot like never before. Local non-profit organization Meals on Wheels San Antonio (MOW) is no exception.
During the pandemic, MOW has had to suspend their Adult activity centers, has lost volunteers as well as corporate partners, and has had to change their hot, ready-to-eat meals in which volunteers would deliver Monday-Friday to delivering chilled meals only twice a week to clients. Less volunteers means less resources for our underserved citizens of all ages in need.
“There needs to be more community volunteers to get back to hot meals,” states Vinsen Faris, CEO of Meals on Wheels San Antonio, “more community-minded, caring, willing folks.”
Much like MOW volunteer Alex Solis who has been delivering meals to clients since January 2021 on San Anto’s Westside where he grew up.
“These individuals really appreciate you coming over to deliver meals. Once you get to know them, the visits last longer. It’s fulfilling. They appreciate it. They start telling me stories about their lives,” Solis explains.
Some of their clients relied on volunteers to come into their house, place their meal where needed, and even have a bit of conversation and grow a bond, prior to the pandemic, of course. Now, volunteers leave the meal near the door, or on the handle and wait (six feet away) for the clients to pick up their meals. While many of the clients are Senior Citizens, MOW caters to any who are in need. Volunteers pick up clients’ meals through a drive-thru type of model at the pick-up point and practice CDC Covid-19 safety protocols, including wearing a mask.
According to Faris, 4,400 individuals are receiving services from MOW in San Antonio, and there are about 1,400 people who have called for services, which the organization has been slow in adding due to lack of volunteers.
So, if you have a few hours on your hands and would like to give back to your community, sign up and volunteer with Meals on Wheels San Antonio.
Interested volunteers can sign up here: https://www.mowsatx.org/meal-delivery-volunteer
Interested organizations can email or call Emily Morehous at (210) 735-5115 emilym@mowsatx.org