Westlake Police Deliver Food Through Meals On Wheels

WESTLAKE, OH — When the new coronavirus, COVID-19, outbreak started, it shutdown much of daily life. Schools and non-essential businesses have been ordered closed and Ohio's elderly have been told to stay home as much as possible. Those directives have impacted the ability of Meals on Wheels to operate in Westlake.

Meals on Wheels has been led by Executive Director Marie Patten-Blatter for four years. The staff prepare over 600 meals weekly for 75 clients. Meals are prepared and delivered Monday through Friday, every week of the year. Each delivery includes a hot meal for lunch or dinner and a cold meal.

Many of the Meals on Wheels staff are retired community members. With COVID-19 spreading statewide, many of the volunteers have decided to remain home to protect themselves and others.

That's where Westlake police came in.

The city sent auxiliary officers, community service officers and school resource officers to aid Meals on Wheels.

"This is a stressful time of isolation for many in the community. Teaming up with established organizations is a great avenue for the police department to continue connecting with the public we serve," a police spokesperson said.

"These officers know the city and understand the importance of the work being done by Meals On Wheels. Marie’s volunteers are ready and willing to come back but, in the meantime the police continue to lend a hand," a Westlake police spokesperson said.