At a Glance
- Meals on Wheels Tarrant County is loading extra meals and extending delivery times ahead of a severe winter storm.
- Volunteers are adding extra hot meals and shelf-stable options to keep clients fed if roads close.
- The organization stresses wellness checks and safety monitoring during extreme cold.
- Why it matters: Older adults and those living alone may face isolation and food shortages while the storm disrupts normal service.
The forecast for North Texas calls for snow, ice, and temperatures dropping sharply. In response, Meals on Wheels Tarrant County is moving quickly to ensure that homebound clients have both food and companionship as the storm approaches.
Preparing for the Storm
Volunteers are loading up extra meals and taking extra time during what could be the final delivery before the storm moves in. “Today is beef pot roast with gravy, rosemary, red potatoes and mixed vegetables,” said Luanna Bailey, a volunteer. “We also have white bean chicken chili, rosemary, red potatoes, and then the vegetables as well.”
The daily delivery includes two hot meals, but clients also receive multiple shelf-stable meals that can be prepared if roads become unsafe and regular service is paused. The uncertainty makes this visit especially critical as it is unclear whether cooks or volunteers will be able to resume normal operations early next week.
> “We’re always closed on the weekends. So, the actual weather won’t affect us on Saturdays and Sunday. We’re more concerned for Monday and potentially Tuesday,” said Philip Gonzalez, with Meals on Wheels Tarrant County.
Meals and Wellness
For many clients, the knock at the door brings more than food. It brings comfort and connection. Volunteers check that heaters are working, blankets are available, and pets are safe.
Barbara, a Meals on Wheels client who did not provide her last name, described the experience simply. “You’re going to get meals, but you’re also going to get a friend,” she said. “I feel a lot safer having them come here, and I also feel that I have friends because they stay and talk to me.”
What Clients Receive
- Hot meals: beef pot roast or white bean chicken chili with rosemary, red potatoes, and mixed vegetables.
- Shelf-stable options: ready-to-eat meals for use if the storm stops delivery.
- Wellness checks: volunteers assess heating, blankets, and pet safety.
- Social interaction: time spent talking and companionship.
Volunteer Responsibilities
Volunteers are not only delivering food; they are also monitoring safety needs during the extreme cold. “Our clients rely on us heavily,” Gonzalez said. “Make sure that their heaters are working and they have blankets and whatever else they may need, especially those who have pets.”
The organization encourages neighbors to check on older adults and those who live alone. “While we can’t do the wellness check, we ask that you be a good neighbor whenever we can be there,” Gonzalez added. “Anytime we have any extreme weather, we are very concerned and wanna make sure that our clients are taken care of.”
Key Volunteer Tasks
- Deliver meals on time, even if roads are icy.
- Verify that heating systems are operational.
- Provide blankets and other supplies.
- Conduct brief wellness checks and record any concerns.
- Coordinate with local agencies if a client needs additional assistance.
Community Role
Neighbors are urged to act as good neighbors during the storm. Checking in on older adults, ensuring they have supplies, and reporting any emergencies can help Meals on Wheels Tarrant County provide continuous support.
The storm’s arrival could disrupt service on Monday or Tuesday. Until normal operations resume, volunteers hope that a call, a visit, or a simple check-in will help carry clients through until it is safe to return.
Key Takeaways
- Meals on Wheels Tarrant County is preparing extra food and extending delivery times for a severe winter storm.
- Volunteers are performing wellness checks, ensuring heating and supplies, and offering companionship.
- Neighbors are encouraged to check on older adults and report any urgent needs.
- Service may pause on Monday or Tuesday, so community support is essential.
The organization’s efforts highlight the critical role of volunteer-run services during extreme weather, ensuring that vulnerable populations remain fed, safe, and connected.
