El Reno’s Mobile Meals is going into overdrive starting Monday.

Volunteers will deliver five meals within two days. Recipients will receive both their Monday and Tuesday meals on Monday. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday meals will all be delivered on Wednesday.

Currently, the meals are delivered to 160 people.

This new schedule will last until at least April 3.

Since the days of delivery have been diminished, the organization is introducing the Phone Pals program. Volunteers who may be part of an at-risk group of contracting the coronavirus are no longer delivering meals.

Instead they will call recipients weekly to check on their welfare. The calls are also employed to combat any feelings of isolation.

For some of the recipients, the Mobile Meals volunteers are the only people they may talk with.

Mobile Meals Board President Amy Neathery released a statement:

“I was worried about increased feelings of isolation and someone having a need or change in medical condition that no one knew about for several days.

“I also know we have dedicated volunteers who would have continued to deliver, even at the risk of their own health. Phone Pals seemed to be the perfect way to allow our volunteers to continue to serve while continuing to help our recipients beyond a fresh lunch.”

Meals may be delivered a little later than usual. Recipients can call the kitchen at 262-8623 if the food isn’t delivered by 12:30 p.m.