Monday, June 15
Meals & fresh fruit now being delivered twice weekly
We are delighted to share that we are now delivering a supply of meals to your homebound neighbors twice a week – every Monday and Friday – along with fresh fruit. We are still making no-contact deliveries when possible to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus, and our volunteers are still calling to check in on non-delivery days. Our staff members are still packing all meals to limit exposure.
Monday, April 6 – Until Further Notice:
Weekly delivery of frozen meals to limit exposure
Many of our recipients are at-risk for severe complications from COVID-19 due to their age and/or underlying health conditions. Since April 6th, we have operated by delivering a weekly supply of frozen meals every Monday. Meals are only packed by staff and volunteers who are delivering meals are taking all necessary sanitation precautions, to include no-contact deliveries as much as possible. We will continue to follow all CDC and SCDHEC recommendations for serving at-risk populations.
Thursday, March 26:
Still here to serve those impacted by COVID-19
While normal operations have been suspended, we remain committed to serving anyone who becomes newly homebound due to a COVID-19 diagnosis or exposure. We will provide a one-time delivery of a supply of frozen meals to anyone who meets the following qualifications:
- Quarantined at home after being diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19
- Adults of any age and any income
- Must reside in one of the following zip codes—29464, 29466, 29492, 29451, or 29482
- Short-term or Long-term needs
To inquire about meal deliveries, please email rhamilton@ecmow.org, call (843) 881-9350, or fill out our Medical Referral Form.
Monday, March 23:
Biggest delivery day ever happening tomorrow!
Out of an abundance of caution when it comes to maintaining the health of our volunteers, staff, and homebound recipients, we will suspend normal meal delivery operations from Wednesday, March 25 – Monday, April 6. On Tuesday, March 24, a small group of dedicated volunteers will deliver a two-week supply of meals to our current recipients–3,000 meals in total. A one-time delivery of a supply of frozen meals will still be available during this time for anyone who is newly homebound due to being diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19. Please call us at (843) 881-9350, email rhamilton@ecmow.org, or complete our Medical Referral Form.
Friday, March 20:
Extra precautions being taken to keep recipients healthy!
Maintaining everyone’s health is our #1 priority right now–the health of our volunteers & staff, and most importantly, the health of our beloved meal recipients.
In our best efforts to keep the meals moving, key things we have happening onsite are:
- Implementing new, as well as increasing frequency of, cleaning and sanitizing procedures
- A significant number of our 65+ old volunteers will not be volunteering until the threat of the virus has passed
- A new “slim” staffing model to reduce the chances of exposure and enable social distancing during meal packout
- Additional communications with our recipients , who are feeling very uncertain at this time, and making deliveries of “necessity” items in specific situations
- Preparing to follow all CDC and Charleston Health Department guidelines for testing and quarantine should anyone in any way involved with our operations test positive or be exposed
- Only allowing current volunteers to pack and deliver meals–no new volunteers being accepted at this time (though we are so grateful for all who have offered) and no “guests” riding along on meal deliveries, including children & grandchildren who are home from school.
Monday, March 16:
The meals are still moving!
Our recipients are depending on us more now than ever during this uncertain time. We anticipate operating as usual as we continue additional cleaning, sanitizing of surfaces and equipment, social distancing, and closely following all safety protocols. Our volunteers remain committed to caring for our community’s vulnerable and isolated neighbors, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
Friday, March 13:
Fully-prepared meals available for those newly homebound due to COVID-19
Recognizing the nutritional needs of the homebound, in 1985 East Cooper Meals on Wheels began delivering meals to those who are confined to their homes and have difficulty preparing their own meals. The local nonprofit is now ready and available to help feed those who become homebound due to COVID-19. Fully-prepared meals can be delivered to anyone who is diagnosed with or exposed to the coronavirus and quarantined at home.
“We already provide meals to anyone who is temporarily homebound following surgery or severe illness, and during this uncertain time, we are ready to extend that commitment to anyone who is confined to their home due to the virus,” said George Roberts, President & CEO of East Cooper Meals on Wheels.
Meals on Wheels provides flavorful, healthy meals, featuring entrees such as Hawaiian chicken, lemon fish, salmon patties, and Southwest casserole, accompanied by milk and fresh fruit. Meals can be provided for both lunch and dinner, as well as to cover the weekends. Breakfast bags containing items such as instant oatmeal, cereal, and fruit cups, as well as Ensure and Glucerna, are also available to those with additional nutritional needs.
Though the extended benefits of Meals on Wheels are enjoyed through a daily visit and conversation with a volunteer, the need for social distancing is recognized. Accommodations will be made by leaving meals in a cooler at the door to avoid direct contact between volunteers and those receiving meals.
Qualifications:
- Quarantined at home after being diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19
- Adults of any age and any income
- Must reside in one of the following zip codes—29464, 29466, 29492, 29451, or 29482
- Short-term or Long-term needs
To inquire about meal deliveries, please email rhamilton@ecmow.org or call (843) 881-9350 during business hours.