The local Meals on Wheels program is rolling along despite a worldwide coronavirus pandemic. All 29 Boothbay region clients are continuing to receive meals Monday through Friday. At least two volunteers deliver meals between 9 a.m. and noon. The only obstacle caused by coronavirus is Board President Pat Wheeler is away in Florida and directors aren’t sure when she will return. Client Coordinator Mary Lou Koskela is directing the program in her absence.

Koskela believed when Gov. Janet Mills issued her March 18 order closing restaurants and bars for two weeks that meal requests would be impacted. “I thought it would result in either clients calling to cancel or more people signing up, but it really hasn’t affected us at all. The only request is one client asked to increase delivery from three to five times per week,” Koskela said. 

The program doesn't receive federal funding. It is funded through a $5 charge per meal to customers and through local donations. The program is needed based with no age requirements. Meals are prepared at St. Andrews Retirement Village’s community kitchen. Twenty-two volunteers are available to provide meal delivery. Volunteers provide their own protective equipment such as masks and gloves. The only change is Meals on Wheels is asking clients to place a bag on their door knob so volunteers can leave meals without personal contact. 

Potential new clients should contact Koskela at 207-633-5161 or 462-1407.