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SALT LAKE COUNTY – This is a tough time for everyone, but especially for some of Utah’s most vulnerable: the elderly. Many are homebound and impoverished, and unable to fend for themselves. But one of the biggest problems right now is finding volunteers to help them.
A small army fights hunger every day. Meals on Wheels delivers 315,000 hot lunches in Salt Lake County each year. Volunteers deliver nearly half of them.
Cindy Burian of Salt Lake City started helping 30 years ago. “I enjoy serving, and to be able to get out and serve these people, their faces light up when they see you,” she said.
Owen Andrus, with Meals on Wheels, said, “Sometimes we’re the only ones they’re going to see during the day, so this is also a welfare check to make sure they are all right.”
The number of people chipping in is way down because of the coronavirus pandemic. Businesses that assisted in the past have closed, and fewer helpers are willing to take the risk of increased exposure. But the aging population is still desperately in need.
Afton January, Salt Lake County Aging and Adult Services communications manager, said, “A lot of individuals who receive these meals are homebound, so they can’t really leave their homes. Many people are medically frail and unable to cook and prepare food for themselves.”
Volunteers wear masks and gloves taking every precaution to make sure everyone stays safe. They drop off meals at the front door and stand six feet back to make sure the people receive them. Safety is a priority, and the need for meals is greater than ever.
“They’ve got hand sanitizer, handy wipes, and gloves,” January said.
Burian said, “It’s very possible that these people will not eat, if they don’t get this lunch from us. They may be missing one of the biggest meals of their day. The thought of people going hungry when I can do something about that is just not tolerable.”
It’s a sacrifice Burian is willing to take. “Now, there’s even more ‘thank yous’ (and) ‘we’re so glad that you’re still coming to do this,'” she said.
She said the rewards make it worth it.
If you’d like to volunteer or if you know of an organization that would like to assist Meals on Wheels, call 385-468-3200.
