From quick meals that can be picked up to food dropped off at homes, Riverside County is offering
several free food options to assist disabled and vulnerable adults as stay at home orders continue during
the coronavirus crisis.
Riverside County Office on Aging offers food delivery for critical emergencies, two weeks supply of pantry and essential items, home-delivered meals, and Grab-and-Go meal packages at community center locations for adults who have a disability or are over the age of 60.
“We have a number of programs, depending on our callers’ needs and nutritional risk. We will tailor
enrollment to any one or more of these important nutrition programs,” said Gary Robbins, Deputy
Director for Programs and Operations with Office on Aging. “We’re averaging almost 1,200 calls a
day at this point, and our requests for food have tripled. I’d encourage folks who want to find out more
to visit the Office on Aging website or send us an email.”
Seniors and disabled adults can call 800-510-2020 or visit rcaging.org to determine their need for the following service options:
- Grab-and-Go Meals: Up to seven to 14 days of cooked and frozen meals ready for pick up.
- Courtesy Pantry: Two weeks supply of food delivered within five to seven days.
- Home-Delivered Meals: Up to seven to 14 days of delivered food with no contact.
- Emergency Meals: Up to three days of immediate food delivered.
The county has released a map showing where senior meals, school meals and food pantries are available. To meet the growing need, the state is also launching a restaurant meal delivery program specifically for seniors who don’t qualify for other food assistance programs.
“I am very proud of the Riverside County Office on Aging, which has been leading a number of innovative programs and will soon have this new effort up and running to further support Riverside County’s senior population,” said Board Chair V. Manuel Perez, Fourth District Supervisor.
“This is a great program because it enhances food security and the senior safety net that provide service and dignity that all senior citizens in our community deserve. This program has many wins for our communities, it will help our seniors, our restaurants, and taxi industry,” Perez said. “We encourage any senior in need and any restaurant in our community that wishes to partner in this program to contact us.”
The county is currently accepting inquiries from the public and businesses interested in participating in the restaurant delivery program. Restaurants interested in participating in the program are asked to email [email protected]. Once implemented, seniors will be able to select from preapproved restaurants, who will deliver a maximum of three meals a day to their homes.
