by Andrew Alonzo | aalonzo@claremont-courier.com

Claremont Meals on Wheels, the local nonprofit that has been delivering hot meals for 52 years, is rolling out a new introductory offer for a free week of meals for new users, which are prepared daily at Mt. San Antonio Gardens’ kitchen.

The offer is open to the first 85 new clients 60 and older who live in Claremont and who are temporarily or permanently disabled, recovering from surgery, or those with a chronic illness that prevents them from shopping or preparing meals.

To participate, call (909) 621-4018 beginning at 5 p.m. Friday, August 30 and leave your name and phone number. Meals will be delivered starting Monday, September 9.

Claremont Meals on Wheels volunteer Terry Akman loads her car on Monday. Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo

President and Volunteer Coordinator Barbara Gonzalez said the nonprofit is hoping to tap into folks who have not yet used CMOW’s services among the 20% of Claremonters over age 65, according to 2020 census data.

“Even though there are retirement communities like the Gardens and the [Claremont] Manor, there are still people that live in their homes individually or apartments that do not have anyone else to help them,” Gonzalez said. “We do need to be able to help people that need help with their bills.”

Treasurer Vickie Noble said she believes residents will take advantage of the opportunity for a week of free meals, and hopes they’ll continue, “because we have a lot of faith in our residents.”

Currently CMOW offers an introductory program for new clients to pay in full for two weeks of meals to try the program. Regular and dietary sensitive meals are $4.50 per day, and subsidized meals are $2.75.

Donations from the Economy Shop thrift store, the Kiwanis Club of Claremont, individuals, and others allowed CMOW to implement the new free program.

Next month, CMOW volunteers will begin calling new subscribers to gauge interest in the free week offer. The nonprofit needs volunteers to help make calls and deliveries. Call (909) 621-4018 for more info or get enrolled. The nonprofit is also requesting donations of small reusable ice packs.