Mayor Joseph J. Solomon and Westbay Community Action President and CEO Paul Salera have announced a partnership between the City of Warwick and the non-profit agency to distribute Ready to Go Meals (MREs) to seniors and individuals who are disabled or homebound.  Westbay will be receiving over 1,100 of these MREs to be made available to seniors and vulnerable populations of Warwick.  

“Westbay Community Action has been a tremendous resource for people in need in our community for decades, and they continue to be there for their clients during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mayor Solomon said. “I am proud to offer the assistance of my staff at the Pilgrim Senior Center to help Paul and his staff make sure that people are getting what they need during this crisis. People need to focus on staying healthy, not worrying about whether they will have enough food to get through this crisis.” 

People can pick these meals up at Westbay’s new location at 487 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick (back entrance).  Pick-up is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., beginning Friday, March 27, 2020.  Westbay asks that clients do not get out of the car but just drive up to the entrance and a staff person will be out to assist. 

Individuals who are unable to pick up meals are asked to call Westbay at 401-732-4660 ext. 138 or the City’s Pilgrim Senior Center at 401-468-4073. 

The Mayor and Salera also said that Westbay and the Senior Center are looking for volunteers to help assist in delivering the meals to residents.  Meals will be delivered to the residents’ front doors. 

In addition, beginning Monday, March 30, Westbay will offer curbside pick-up for emergency food at 487 Jefferson Boulevard, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Clients will be asked to drive up to the entrance and a staff person will come out, ask family size, and then provide emergency food through the window.

 “The Mayor and the City have been and continue to be a vital partner with us in providing these critical services that residents of Warwick need. Westbay and the City are partnering to ensure that the residents of Warwick are taken care of, especially those who are elderly or vulnerable,” Salera said. “Times like these will show the people of Warwick how both Westbay and City are here to continue to ensure the health and safety of our residents.  I thank Mayor Solomon and the Pilgrim Senior Center staff and directors for all they do on a daily basis.”

 Westbay remains open during the COVID-19 outbreak, but is not allowing in-person appointments at this time. Clients are encouraged to visit Westbay’s Facebook page, their website at www.westbaycap.org or to call 401-732-4660 for up-to-date information.

Mayor Solomon has been providing frequent updates pertaining to COVID-19 at warwickri.gov, as well as via Facebook and Twitter. Residents are encouraged to check back often for updated information.