Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many organizations adjusted their practices and provided relief to people in need throughout their communities. Listerhill assisted these organizations by featuring them and donating $500 to their efforts! This article features Meals on Wheels through the Community Action Agency of Northwest Alabama.

Meals on Wheels of The Shoals ensures that seniors have access to adequate nutrition year round by delivering a hot, nutritious meal free of charge to those who can no longer cook for themselves due to a disability, doctor recommendation or recent surgery. They serve our elderly neighbors and those recovering from a surgery or who have a disability, living in Lauderdale, Colbert and Franklin Counties.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Meals on Wheels of The Shoals adjusted their delivery schedules for the safety of their clients and volunteers – many of whom were in the high-risk category for COVID-19. During the state shutdown, the Sheriff Departments of all three counties delivered meals to their clients. Their delivery days changed from five days a week to three days a week with a hot meal and frozen meal delivered each day to cover six days of meals. This allowed them to reduce the risk of infection of their clients and volunteers. As our community opened back up, their volunteers returned for delivery but still observed the three days a week delivery schedule, wearing masks, wearing gloves, practicing sanitation best practices and social distancing with volunteers.

Meals on Wheels of The Shoals saw an increase in need for their services when the pandemic began and worked tirelessly to get everyone on a route for meal delivery. They delivered six meals per week, one hot and one frozen each week. This allowed them to have consistent interaction with their clients to ensure their wellness, mental health and connection with others. They are often the only interaction some of these community members have with the outside world, so it is important to check on them consistently.

Meals on Wheels of The Shoals is totally funded by our community and has been for 44+ years. A donation of $20 feeds a senior for a week! Donations can be made by going to their website at www.caanw.org and donating through their "Donate" button or by sending a check to the Meals on Wheels of The Shoals office at 745 Thompson Street, Florence, Alabama 35630. Those wishing to volunteer may contact them by calling 256-766-4330 ext. 106 and their coordinator will help plan volunteer time that fits your schedule.

Have an initiative or event you'd like to request funding for from Listerhill? You can fill out a donation request form here.