Meals of Love helps restaurants, supports seniors | Commentary By KARLA RADKA GUEST COLUMNIST | APR 13, 2020

Orlando Sentinel Link: https://www.orlandosentinel.com/opinion/guest-commentary/os-op-meals-of-love-20200413-wzklda5je5hepirrcqk6vdv6li-story.html

As America races to curb the COVID-19 outbreak, older adults and others at high risk of severe symptoms are among the Americans who have been told to “stay at home,” in compliance with local, state and federal mandates. It’s an essential precaution — but it’s also a heavy burden for the millions of Floridians who find themselves isolated from friends and family.

Hunger is part of that burden. In 2019, Feeding America estimated that one in 10 older adults in Central Florida was at risk of not getting enough to eat. Nonprofits are struggling to keep up with applications for food assistance in the face of surging need.

But there’s a solution on the way.

In an emergency response to COVID-19, Florida Department of Elder Affairs, Senior Resource Alliance, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association have partnered to immediately increase food assistance in Central Florida. That partnership created Meals of Love.

Meals of Love will deliver fresh, restaurant-made meals to homebound seniors and disabled adults in Orange, Seminole, Brevard and Osceola counties. In addition, a group of nine Central Florida nonprofit organizations funded by Senior Resource Alliance will also connect individuals to a network of resources for day-to-day needs.

Benefits go both ways. Restaurants and hospitality businesses remain among the hardest hit in the COVID-19 outbreak, as dining rooms closed for safety. By participating in Meals of Love, these establishments are reimbursed for the meals they provide. That added revenue will help support restaurants and food-service workers during the crisis.

As it launches the program, Meals of Love will mobilize to serve up to 1,000 meals per day, with the goal of doubling that capacity over the course of several months. Recipients will include the households of both older adults (aged 60 and older) and disabled adults (ages 18 to 59) who need food assistance. If you or a loved one needs help, you may apply at mealsoflove.org or by calling (321) 253-4430 and dialing 0. Deliveries start this week.

In times of crisis, we’re called to help others and show more compassion for those in need. Do your part to protect high-risk community members by limiting the spread of COVID-19. Reach out to friends, family and neighbors who may be especially isolated. If you can, offer to drop off some groceries or a hot meal. You can also schedule a weekly or daily phone call to stay in touch.

Right now, small acts have big impacts. The support of our community is pivotal to the success of relief efforts and nonprofit initiatives. To learn how you can get involved with Meals of Love — as a volunteer, a donor, a restaurant partner, an advocate, or in other ways — visit www.mealsoflove.org.

Karla Radka is President and CEO of Senior Resource Alliance.

Meals of Love will deliver food to homebound seniors and disabled adults through a partnership with the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, Senior Resource Alliance, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association.