By SAMANTHA SARACINO
6 News Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) - Mobile Meals is taking extra precautions during the heat wave. On top of serving seniors meals each week, the volunteers are also checking to make sure they're safe and well.
Volunteer Sterling King spends his mornings, five days a week, bringing meals to seniors in the area.
"All of them are just so thankful when we show up with their lunch. You'll see the smiles," King said.
Each delivery route is different, but every volunteer sees about 20-25 seniors per day.
Many of them are very thankful for the deliveries. "It saves me trying to get someone to come in here and cook for me," said Roosevelt Walker, who gets meals each week.
The volunteers have coolers in their vehicles, each filled with hot and cold meals. Friday's menu included chicken patties, mixed vegetables and an apple crisp.
While delivering food is an important service in itself, on hot days the volunteers take it one step further.
"It's a little bit more important during times like this because it's so hot outside. What we're doing is a daily check on these folks and making sure they're all right," explained Alison Taylor, with Mobile Meals.
"We are looking for signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion, heat stroke. Those kind of things," King said.
Many seniors already planned on staying inside Friday, but some do enjoy the weather. "I've been going outside sitting for a few hours every day," Walker said.
"The meal is great, but the check is greater. We don't go home at night until we know everyone is accounted for," Taylor said.
No one on the route with 6 News Friday had any heat-related issues.
Volunteer Sterling King spends his mornings bringing meals to seniors in the area.
