V.I. Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner Felecia L. Blyden was very happy upon receiving information that vehicles purchased last year for the Meals on Wheels Program began arriving in the territory. Blyden said, “These vehicles enable our outreach and delivery of hot meals to our clients. They will facilitate the program’s goal to provide nutritional services to the critical and most vulnerable amongst us.”
DHS purchased seven vehicles for its Meals on Wheels Program to replenish its fleet, which was no longer operable because of mechanical wear and tear. Three of the vehicles are identified for the St. Croix District, and the remaining four are for the St. Thomas-St. John District. The vehicles were shipped directly to the respective islands, and the four for St. Thomas-St. John have recently arrived. Vehicles for St. Croix are now in transit.
The Meals on Wheels Program normally serves approximately 450 clients with home delivered meals territory-wide. There was an increase in demand for hot meal services after the disaster for an additional 450 congregate meals.
“We also are awaiting the arrival of vans on order for the senior centers to be able to transport them safely to activities throughout the community in which they eagerly participate,” said the commissioner.
