Lakewood Center Delivers More Than 5K Meals To Seniors

LAKEWOOD, CO — A community center in Lakewood has delivered more than 5,000 meals to older residents since March.

Many Lakewood seniors have been home bound since the coronavirus outbreak began, so city staff at the Clements Community Center implemented a door-to-door meal delivery service for residents over age 60.

Volunteers of America and Lakewood Rides assist with the service.

“When the center’s Volunteers of America dining site closed due to public health precautions, we needed an immediate solution to get food to older adults in our community,” said Dawn Sluder, a city supervisor for older adult and transportation programs.

“COVID-related shutdowns quickly isolated many of our seniors. By offering delivery through Lakewood Rides, we provide a friendly point of contact, too. For some people, this is their only opportunity to receive a meal.”

For a $2.50 suggested contribution per meal, seniors receive a "nutritionally rich and deliciously prepared" lunch, organizers said. No one over age 60 is denied service because of an inability to make a contribution.

The service expanded to include hot meals in September, and as of Wednesday, 120 hot lunches have been delivered, organizers said.

Don't miss the latest news updates in Lakewood: Free Lakewood Patch Newsletters and Email Alerts | Facebook | Twitter

Hot meals are delivered twice monthly on Thursdays. Frozen meal deliveries, which come with staples such as bread and milk, can be requested in two-meal or five-meal packages and are delivered weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays, organizers said.

Deliveries can be made within Lakewood city limits to homes and to senior housing communities. Those who aren't Lakewood residents are welcome to call and coordinate meal pickup at the center, organizers said.

People should reserve their meals by calling 303-987-4833.

>> More information about the Clements Community Center’s services for older adults can be found here.

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2020, more than 54 million Americans will not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.