WA nonprofit gets upgraded van to deliver winter meals to seniors

Well, navigating icy rural roads to feed homebound neighbors just got a lot easier in Snohomish County. Well, Homage Senior Services is rolling out a heavy-duty upgrade to make sure winter weather doesn't keep tens of thousands of warm meals from reaching those who need the most. Fox 13's Frankie Thompson has a look inside the new ride. In the rural parts of Snohomish County, navigating winter deliveries takes more than just a regular vehicle. Especially when winter happens and inclement weather and everything else. That's why Homage Senior Services is rolling out a new solution. A larger Meals on Wheels van. Delivery driver Wayne Rose says it's a much needed upgrade. So what's nice about this is it does give more access, it drives higher so you have better visibility, it doesn't scrape on the curbs. Built with extra cargo space, it lets drivers navigate tricky terrain safely while hauling roughly 630 meals a week, which translates to up to 36,000 meals a year throughout the county. Really relieving that stress, that need in our program is a huge relief in having this new vehicle. Registered dietician Erica Polny says this new van comes at a crucial time as more seniors and people living with disabilities are asking for this kind of help. As well as just in this economy, unfortunately, I've heard so many clients, like one the other day, where he wouldn't be able to... Eat even two meals a day without having meals on wheels so that need is certainly growing each delivery packs a full week of support, including seven balanced meals, fresh produce, milk and bread. We even provide extras depending on donations of pet food so those seniors also don't have to worry about. Where their pet's next meal is coming from because those companions are very important to someone who's alone. The non-profit says those weekly deliveries double as vital wellness checks, giving families some peace of mind and their loved ones some company. They look forward to us delivering. They want to have that interaction and if nobody else in their family is coming by or they don't have any caretakers on a regular basis, sometimes we are the only person they see in a week. Frankie Thompson, FOX 13 News. The van was funded by the Edmonds-based Hazel Miller Foundation. It is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting programs that address poverty, hunger, and other community needs.