FeedMore WNY delivers meals, checks on residents in Niagara County during intense heat

NIAGARA FALLS N.Y. (WIVB) — With sizzling temperatures this week, one local organization is reminding people to check on the elderly neighbors.

News 4 spoke with volunteers from FeedMore WNY as they were out delivering meals in the heat in Niagara Falls on Tuesday.

Along with handing out meals, they were making sure people, especially those who live alone and are more at risk in the heat, were safe.

“Our volunteers are always instructed not just to leave a meal but also perform a well-being check,” said FeedMore WNY public relations manager Catherine Shick. “We’re always asking our clients if they’re feeling ok and checking for signs to make sure they’re feeling ok.”

Niagara Falls resident Linda Mercurio says she appreciates the volunteers checking in.

“A lot of people live alone and nobody checks on them,” Mercurio said. “We check on our neighbors here, but Meals on Wheels will check to see if you’re safe, you’re ok, you have plenty of what you need — they will ask.”

The organization also made sure their volunteers were keeping cool as they walked around outside in the heat by providing water bottles and reminding volunteers to stay hydrated.

Sarah Minkewicz is an Emmy-nominated reporter and Buffalo native who has been a part of the News 4 team since 2019. Follow Sarah on Twitter @SarahMinkewicz and click here to see more of her work.