The Van Matre Senior Activity and Wellness Center hosts a drive-thru service for its clientele from 11 to 11:45 every weekday. The line forms in front of the center’s building.Employees write down each client’s name and perform a wellness check. The service is not based on income and donations are accepted. The Meals on Wheels drive-thru has been facilitated since the center closed in mid-March due to COVID-19. Van Matre Senior Center Director Robyn Snyder says many seniors miss attending events and visiting with their friends, but they appreciate seeing cheerful employees. when they pass through the drive-thru line.
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Meals on Wheels delivery drivers also serve seniors who cannot drive to the center. Snyder says each delivery driver performs sanitation protocol to keep clients safe.
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To minimize contact, only Van Matre employees are working the drive-thru line. Employees serve in the kitchen or work as facility assistants outside the center’s building. Snyder says employees are instructed to wear a mask and gloves. They must change their gloves, if they touch anyone before they interact with a client.
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On average, 120-140 seniors are served during the curbside service every day. There are also four Meals on Wheels trucks delivering hot meals throughout the Twin Lakes Area.
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The senior center will continue its Meals on Wheels drive-thru service until the public can safely reenter the facility. The center’s main office in Harrison has not decided when the senior center can reopen its doors. Snyder says she is unsure what guidelines and regulations will be set in place when the center reopens, but she assures the public that everyone at the senior center will do whatever they can to keep their clients and employees safe.
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For more information on the the meals program, contact the center at 870-424-3054.
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