FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
920-451-7011
Allison Thompson: Allison.Thompson@freshmealsonwheels.org
Sue Bohme: Sue.Bohme@freshmealsonwheels.org
KOHLER CO. AND VAN HORN’S STEP UP TO ENSURE SAFE DELIVERY OF EMERGENCY MEALS FROM FRESH MEALS ON WHEELS
SHEBOYGAN, WI (April 23, 2020) – In the midst of the mayhem brought on worldwide and locally by COVID-19, Sheboygan County businesses and organizations have stepped up to help Fresh Meals On Wheels of Sheboygan County, Inc. (FMOW), continue to move forward with the critical goal of feeding all in need in the community.
Within the first week of statewide restrictions, Kohler Co. and Teresa Van Horn of Van Horn Automotive forged a path to provide FMOW immediate access to vans capable of being sanitized daily, to deliver meals throughout the county. Then Kohler Co., made a generous cash donation of $10,000 to cover the lease of those vans for one year.
“Meals On Wheels was already pivoting and changing services to allow for fresh meals to still be delivered, but in bulk capacity, in order to reduce the number of people out and about in the community,” said Cindy Howley, senior manager of Kohler Stewardship. “We felt like it was our civic duty to provide immediate assistance to ensure that those who are homebound and elderly are being fed.”
Also stepping up to help immediately was a local donor, who offered a match of up to $100,000 to help cover the immense expenses FMOW was taking on. United Way of Sheboygan County quickly made a $10,000 donation via their COVID fund to help towards the match.
“Because of global uncertainty and ever-changing news, we are making a concerted effort to get as much food to each individual as quickly as possible, in case of business disruptions, for any reason. Our kitchen staff is producing approximately three times as many meals as normal, every single day. We are so blessed by the generous businesses and organizations who truly care about our frailest neighbors, especially, during a time such as this,” said Kelly Anderson, CEO of FMOW.
Volunteers who traditionally deliver meals, now call meal recipients daily to say hello and to make sure all is well at home. These Caring Calls may be the only lifeline some of clients have.
“We want to know if people have what they need to survive, and if they are feeling unwell, these are things we can quickly address via referrals or additional deliveries. Social isolation is already an issue for many elderly, disabled, and homebound individuals; we are doing our part to help alleviate the loneliness,” Anderson said.
Older adults continue to face higher risks of contracting COVID-19 and/or experiencing serious complications and death, particularly if they also have chronic medical conditions.
Fresh Meals On Wheels is seeking continued support from the community in order to cover the cost of additional food and supplies for current clients, and to provide meals to those elderly individuals who have lost their caregiver supports due to COVID-19. Tax-deductible contributions can be made via FreshMealsOnWheels.org, on Facebook, or by mail and sent to Fresh Meals On Wheels, 1004 S. Taylor Dr., Sheboygan, WI 53081.
For more information call Fresh Meals On Wheels at 920-451-7011.
About Fresh Meals On Wheels
Fresh Meals On Wheels of Sheboygan County provides fresh, nutritious, home-delivered meals to elderly, disabled, and home-bound Sheboygan County residents. Meals are made daily in Meals On Wheels’ Christopher Family Kitchen using fresh, local ingredients grown in the Meals On Wheels gardens, or donated by local farmers and gardeners. Each day, volunteers deliver more than a meal; they provide a wellness check and social interaction for over 300 people. Meals On Wheels continually works to find new ways to improve clients’ health and well-being through partnerships with local healthcare, academic and service organizations. Meals On Wheels is Driving Wellness Home in Sheboygan County.