Like many local nonprofits, Meals on Wheels of Wake County has had to figure out how to accomplish its mission without putting its volunteers or elderly clients at risk. The nonprofit determined in March that daily meal delivery was no longer a safe option.

“For the foreseeable future, Meals On Wheels plans to deliver a box of seven frozen meals to all of their 1400-plus clients – both homebound and those who eat at their eight congregate dining rooms – once a week,” said Mary Kate Keith, director of development and communications for Meals on Wheels.

But delivering a box of seven frozen meals to more than 1,400 clients in Wake County and ensuring that they remained frozen, was a challenge. Lots of volunteers were needed, and it was essential that they worked quickly.

The owners of Catering Works offered to help with these efforts. The Raleigh hospitality company is donating the services of a refrigerated truck and drivers to help deliver frozen meals to some of the larger meal delivery sites in the county. The partnership began on Tuesday, May 5, and will continue “as long as we are able to, and they need it,” according to Jaime Nolan, a spokesperson for Catering Works.

Volunteers with boxes of frozen meals, ready to be delivered to Meals on Wheels clients.

“Meals on Wheels volunteers will continue with a frozen meal delivery until they are able to return back to daily, hot meal delivery service. This once-a-week delivery provides for safer and reduced interactions between their elderly clients and the volunteers who deliver,” Keith said.

Meals on Wheels is accepting applications for volunteers to deliver boxes of frozen meals to clients on Tuesday mornings.  The nonprofit is also requesting donations to its COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, which support area seniors during this unprecedented crisis.