Elrich Assists with Senior Meal Delivery Program; More than 183,000 Meals Delivered Throughout the Pandemic

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, May 5, 2021

It is Older American’s Month and County Executive Marc Elrich rolled up his sleeves to assist Montgomery County Recreation (MCR) with the senior meal delivery program on Wednesday, May 5. Throughout the pandemic, the program has ensured the delivery of more than 183,000 meals to seniors who needed home meals delivered because they were unable to shop or cook for themselves. 

Since March 16, 2020, when the County initiated COVID-19 safety shut-down protocols, more than 300 meals have been delivered weekly. The meal boxes contain 7 three-component entrée trays with individually packed milk, fruit, fruit juice, bread and butter. Initially, the senior meal program provided meals to seniors who had received in-person meals through the MCR Senior Centers and 55+ locations and quickly grew to become a meal-delivery service available for any qualified senior who requested meals.    

Seniors have been hit hard by the COVID-19 emergency.” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “I am pleased that the County has been able to provide services to deliver food to those in need. The recreation department's senior meal service has helped tremendously with the efforts to ensure that seniors unable to leave their homes have access to food delivery or meal pickup.” 

Many of the seniors not only faced food insecurity but also experienced isolation and loneliness. The weekly meal delivery reminder call became a socialization activity for the seniors to connect with someone and talk about how things were going in their life.  

“I am extremely proud of everyone in the Recreation Department for their exceptional service during this crisis,” said MCR Director Robin Riley. “Transitioning from an in-person meal provider to a home delivery service required a complex mapping and coordination process. It was not easy, but it was necessary and made it possible to get tens of thousands of meals to residents. The Senior Meal Delivery Program is another example of how the recreation department has been open and available throughout the emergency. 

MCR partners with Montgomery County’s Health and Human Services (HHS), Jewish Council for the Aging Of Greater Washington Inc. (JCA) and Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland, Inc. (MOW) to provide the senior meals. MOW provides the meal boxes through HHS’ senior nutrition program, JCA buses are used to transport meals to participants. 

For more information about MCR senior programs, call 240-777-4925. 

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Release ID: 21-311
Media Contact: Judy Stiles 240-328-4049
Link to Photos or Video: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmVwWxcP
Categories: Recreation, Senior