Over 140,000 lbs* of food Distributed
*Nearly 116,000 meals
Over 78,000 lbs
Water
Nearly 30,000 lbs
Meals Ready-to-Eat
Nearly 32,000 lbs
Mixed Food
Over 3,400
Shelf-Stable Meals to over 450 Clients
As we watched Hurricane Ian move closer to Florida, the staff at Meals on Wheels PLUS began preparations for the impending storm. Days before the hurricane, our team strategized on how best to meet the needs of our Home-delivered Meal clients for the week. In anticipation of not being able to deliver meals, we began planning for deliveries for the entire week-four days of normal delivery were made in two days.
Once the storm passed, and we were able to resume operations, we immediately began planning food distributions for the hard-hit areas in Manatee. The storm left devastation of flooding and power outages in Myakka, along with several other areas who were initially without power. We began bringing supplies to Myakka just two days after the storm ended, and for the next two weeks continued with distributions of food and critical supplies in Myakka, along with Duette, Pride Park, and Lincoln Park.
With Hurricane Nicole also hitting Florida, once again Meals on Wheels PLUS immediately went into action to ensure our seniors would have the food they need. All 200 clients who normally get deliveries on Thursdays (day of the storm’s greatest impact), were called, and all meals were delivered the previous day. The additional 700 clients who receive meals were also called to ensure they were aware of the pending storm. In an abundance of safety, we suspended our two group programs on Thursday, Daybreak Adult Day Center and Friendship Dining Center, along with our transportation services for Thursday.
We are deeply proud of our staff and volunteers who respond with urgency and care for the clients we serve. Our work is critical every day, and when a disaster like a hurricane happens, the programs of Meals on Wheels PLUS are a lifeline to those in need in Manatee County.
Sincerely,
Maribeth Phillips
President & CEO