Meals on Wheels San Francisco (MOWSF) is one of a number of organizations throughout the state helping people who have been displaced as a result of the Kincade Fire and public safety power shutoff (PSPS) in Sonoma County.

On October 28, 2019, in partnership with the SF-Marin Food Bank, MOWSF staff packaged approximately 1,600 pounds of shelf-stable food (about 200 bags) from the Food Bank, and delivered them along with 80 disaster preparedness kits to the Council on Aging in Santa Rosa which runs the local Meals on Wheels program. The food will be distributed to approximately 400 individuals, including seniors, who have not been told to evacuate but cannot easily access food and in some cases, may not have any electricity in their home.

The Kincade fire began October 23 northeast of Geyserville. To date, the fire has burned more than 66,000 acres and destroyed 96 structures according to CalFire. Approximately 186,000 residents have been evacuated countywide; 60,000 in Santa Rosa alone, including older adults. Approximately 2,500 Sonoma County residents are reported to be utilizing evacuation centers. Deliveries of food from the SF-Marin Food Bank through Meals on Wheels SF to the region may continue.

Additionally, Meals on Wheels SF has collaborated with the local Red Cross and Department of Emergency Management, to deliver approximately 100 frozen meals to the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in San Francisco. The meals, a mixture of breakfasts and dinners, will be available to shelter residents who have been displaced from their homes, sheltering in place in San Francisco, and are seeking meals at the church.

“Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by these devastating fires,” said Ashley McCumber, CEO, Meals on Wheels San Francisco. “We will continue to partner with the Department of Emergency Management and other agencies wherever we can in doing what we do best – providing nourishment for those in need.”