Metro mobile meal deliveries resume after winter weather delays

After several days of icy roads and freezing temperatures, mobile meal programs in the metro have resumed deliveries, bringing relief to many homebound seniors who rely on the service. In Yukon alone, about 125 elderly residents depend on these meals for their daily nutrition and companionship.

Every weekday, the kitchen at the Dale Robertson Senior Center in Yukon is busy preparing meals.

"We do between 115 and 130 meals usually, give or take," said Chef Alton Bright with Yukon Mobile Meals.

Bright’s father was in the program for many years.

“The main reason I became a chef is to feed people,” Bright said. “Having the opportunity to kind of give back since they did so much for him, it's an awesome experience to do it.”

Once packed, the meals are loaded onto delivery routes. The program operates seven routes across the city with the help of around 75 active volunteers like Annie Jones.

"It's cold, but we can get around," said Jones. “We want to get them to them in a timely manner; we want to give them to them while the meals are still warm.”

Volunteers also use the visits to offer social interaction and wellness checks.

"Sometimes we're the only visitors they get during the week," Jones said.

“If for some reason they don't answer, then we take steps to notify their next of kin or make sure they are alright,” said Joanne Oltmanns, Yukon Mobile Meals Program Director. “It's a valuable service to their relatives and caregivers to know that someone's checking on them.”

Beyond the meals and check-ins, volunteers also offer emotional support.

"We have one lady who always asks for a hug," Jones said. “We have a few of them at the end we might stay a little bit longer. Sometimes that’s the only time I get out during the week, so it’s good for me too."

The meals are delivered Monday through Friday. On bad weather days, Oltmanns suggests caregivers and family members keep pantries stocked with nonperishable food items.

Mobile Meals Program in the Metro:

1. Yukon: https://yukonmobilemeals.com/
2. OKC: https://www.mealsonwheelsokc.org/meals-on-wheels
3. Edmond: https://edmondmobilemeals.org/
4. El Reno: https://elrenomobilemeals.com/
5. Del City: https://mentalhealth.networkofcare.org/oklahoma/services/agency?pid=405DELCITYCHURCHOFCHRISTMEALSONWHEELS_2_1746_0
6. Norman: https://www.mealsonwheelsnorman.com/
7. Midwest City: https://www.stchristophersmwc.org/mobile-meals