3/26/2020
United Way to mobilize volunteers to support virtual needs, food delivery to vulnerable citizens in Orleans Parish
NEW ORLEANS – United Way/HandsOn Entergy Volunteer Center and Mayor LaToya Cantrell Wednesday announced the rollout of volunteer meal deliveries and virtual wellness checks in Orleans Parish to stabilize at-risk older adults during the COVID-19 stay-at-home order.
Volunteer drivers are needed to pick up and deliver hot meals to the doorsteps of approved recipients throughout Orleans Parish each Monday and Thursday. Meals follow USDA certification and weight requirements for seniors and will be batch prepared fresh, then individually packaged and refrigerated to be heated at home.
The volunteer meal distribution will supplement 15,000 free deliveries to food-insecure households over the coming weeks thanks to a partnership with the mayor’s office, United Way of Southeast Louisiana, Entergy and DoorDash.
In addition, volunteers are needed to conduct follow-up calls to confirm meal recipients receive their food as scheduled and continue to maintain good health and good spirits. Volunteers can conduct the check-ins from the safety of their homes.
“We know thousands of New Orleans’ seniors are struggling with food insecurity and are feeling isolated and vulnerable inside their own homes,” said Chris Cameron, United Way HandsOn Entergy Volunteer Center executive director. “For individuals who are healthy and able, these volunteer opportunities will satisfy the need to take action in the face of crisis and help our older neighbors who are following sound advice to stay home yet are facing serious hunger.”
Interested individuals must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Are 18 years or older (Drivers may not be older than 59)
- Have not experienced symptoms that could be related to COVID-19 in the last 14 days
- Have not been around anyone who has COVID-19 in the last 14 days
- Have not traveled to a foreign country in the last 14 days
- Have not been on a cruise or been in an airport in the last 14 days
- Have not attended an event where more than 50 people were in attendance in the last 14 days
“Volunteers can rest assured knowing we are following globally-recognized mobilization procedures and maintaining rigorous safety protocols to keep both volunteers and the meal recipients healthy,” Cameron added.
The public can register at UnitedWaySELA.org/Volunteer.
Individuals who need help accessing food should call 311 for assistance.
###
About United Way of Southeast Louisiana
For more than 90 years, United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) has been a leader and trusted partner in improving lives and making a lasting difference. We fight to eradicate poverty by preparing people for quality jobs, growing incomes, and affording better health and education opportunities throughout Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes. We have a bold vision of equitable communities where all individuals are healthy, educated, and financially stable – and we have a plan. United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s Blueprint for Prosperity guides all strategic investments in programs, initiatives, collaborations, volunteerism, and advocacy aimed at tackling poverty. For more information, please visit UnitedWaySELA.org. Find us on social: @UnitedWaySELA.
Join United Way. GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER. CONNECT.
About HandsOn New Orleans
HandsOn New Orleans is a local affiliate of the Points of Light Global Network. We envision a socially just community with happy, healthy, prosperous people. The organization supports over 170 nonprofits in the seven-parish metro area through collaborative efforts that promote educational equity in the public school system, improve access to community services and resources, foster healthy lifestyles, sustain the natural and built environment, and assist residents on emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. Neighbors must help neighbors. Our hands are outstretched to yours. We welcome your help and invite you to join our mission to engage, empower, and transform our community through volunteer service.