Column: Meals on Wheels provides essential services
Sometimes, my welita used to say, se nos junta ojo y empacho.
According to a report in last week’s San Antonio Express-News, Meals on Wheels — long known as an organization that delivers nutritious meals and a strong dose of care — has seen an increase of about 1,000 new clients since mid-March because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Actually, this is neither ojo nor is it empacho; helping the community by delivering meals and care to those who need it is actually a gift. But the dicho still works on some level because the surge comes at a time when volunteers who might be especially at risk have been advised to stay home also because of the pandemic.
Our community’s vulnerable seniors are especially at risk, not just because of their age, but because of underlying illnesses that appear with age. Reports indicate that illnesses such as chronic kidney disease, COPD or diabetes can increase the chances of hospitalization due to COVID-19 by twelvefold — y pa’ que quieres.
We might all be in this together, but there are some among us who were struggling to get by on their own, even before we became entangled in whether or not to use sanitizer and wear face masks.
Taking the bus is a much bigger challenge than it was last year at this time. So is crossing the street from the bus stop into a grocery store full of people. And if you’re at the point in your life where having trouble opening a jar or not being able to read the tiny letters on the package come between you and your dinner, social distancing might not be your biggest concern. For those who can’t make their own meals, leave their homes or drive, getting through the day can be overwhelming.
That’s why a food delivery — a couple of microwaveable meals, milk, a piece of fruit — can make a big difference. Never mind the miguitas de platica that normally come with the delivery, because these are strange times and volunteers are currently delivering food without making contact for everyone’s safety. But a little bit of nutrition brought to the door really can make the difference between a person staying safe at home con la novela or el periodico and ending up sick and alone in an already-stressed hospital.
The Express-News’ Krista Torralva reported that volunteers interested in lending a hand are encouraged to check out www.mowsatx.org/volunteer or call 210-735-5115. One can also help by making monetary donations at the same website.
Todo ayuda. Especially cuando se juntan y ayudan todos.
