The pandemic has been increasing the need for emergency meals, especially among the older New Yorkers who are at greater risk of hospitalization.

Citymeals on Wheels inventory manager Otis Lewis says his crew is trying keep up with the rising demand. He says the current situation is worse than after Superstorm Sandy because of the amount of people being affected by COVID-19.

https://twitter.com/Citymeals/status/1316487716050173952

CItymeals on Wheels distributes about 400,000 emergency meals in an average year to homebound seniors. That number has increased to 600,000 during the pandemic.

To keep up the influx, the staff was doubled back in February at its Bronx headquarters.

The pandemic has also changed how the pre-packed emergency meals are distributed. Masks are required as well as social distancing during home deliveries.

“We are doing far more than we ever anticipated in our preparations,” says Lewis.

About 20,000 emergency meals will be delivered to homebound seniors over the next several days.