Weiser senior center offers takeout lunch, Meals on Wheels deliveries during closure

Sit-down dining at the Weiser Senior and Community Center has stopped for now as a precaution against the spread of coronavirus, but daily takeout meals are still available.
 Between the curbside pickup and Meals on Wheels deliveries, local seniors can get a tasty and nutritious meal every weekday.
 The center is serving takeout lunches from 10:30 a.m. through 1:30 p.m. on weekdays. Seniors are asked to call ahead by 10 a.m. to request a meal so employees have an idea of how many to make.
 The takeout meal is packaged in sealed and well-protected containers. Those over age 60 pay a suggested donation and everyone else pays $5.
 The Meals on Wheels program has seen an increase in the number of deliveries to homebound seniors due to the closure at the senior center.
 The center is currently delivering 47 meals daily and can serve more seniors over the age of 60 in the community who are unable to cook or drive.
 “We could sure add to that number to help people,” senior center treasurer Linda Smith said.
 Eligible seniors can get a meal delivered every day for free. There are generous people in Weiser who donate money to sponsor meals for local residents who don’t qualify for the free meal. The center has also received donations for food and packaging.
 The Meals on Wheels driver is taking extra precautions while delivering meals during the coronavirus crisis, including wearing gloves and a face mask and using plenty of hand sanitizer.
 For many seniors, the weekday lunch at the center was more than a meal. It was the opportunity to socialize with peers and get out of the house. There has been an interruption in their lives since the center temporarily stopped serving sit-down meals on March 20.
 “There are some that are having a rough time with it,” Kathy Huerta said.
 Ken Bartoschek was a regular for lunch at the center when it was open and is getting his meals to go these days during the coronavirus shutdown. He said he doesn’t mind coming down to the center to pick up his meal.
 “It’s actually nice the way things are to get out of the house for a few minutes,” he said.
 There is no firm date yet when the center will open again for sit-down meals. It will likely be the end of the month before the center hears anything.
 To order a meal or to sign up for Meals on Wheels, call 208-414-0750.