SNMCAC is utilizing CSBG funds as well as CARES Act funding (via the Aging and Long Term Services Department) to expand food delivery programs and services. Additional CARES Act funding through CSBG funding is also expected and will be used primarily for food and food preparation costs. Agency expenses have doubled during the pandemic for food (10-12 cases of food carries for Grab and Go program, and food for individual senior clients), as well as extra disinfectant wipes, gloves, plastic bags, bacteria sprays, hand sanitizer and masks.

Since Governor Grisham announced the Stay-at-Home order in March, SNMCAC temporarily closed the Adult Day Care centers in Carlsbad and Artesia as well as the congregant meal option, and established the Grab-and-Go option instead, whereby meals are prepared and distributed daily to eligible seniors via pick up at meal sites in Carlsbad and Artesia, or home delivered.

Since starting the Grab-and-Go drive-thru program on March 16, 2020, SNMCAC has experienced a significant increase in numbers in both CM and HD meals, with a daily total of almost 250 meals. New delivery routes have been added to accommodate the increased demand for home-bound client food delivery, with further additional routes for new projected new clients under development.

Between March 16-30, 2020, SNMCAC served a total of  489 clients and 5462 in both setting; 1476 were extra meals and 214 were new clients.  The total number of clients served from April 1-31, 2020 was 665, and 11,813 meals in both setting; 4,701 were extra meals and 371 were new clients. SNMCAC served a total of 17,275 meals in a 45-day span.

Partner organizations include Roadrunner Food Bank who donated 700 boxes of food, of which 550 have been delivered to senior clients to date. Food Boxes received from ALTSD were also delivered to all Eddy County seniors.

In addition to food delivery, SNMCAC has implemented a call tree for wellness checks which is utilized daily to check on the welfare of their senior clients.

SNMCAC continues to receive calls for assistance from Managed Care offices, Home Cares, families and clients (both existing and new). Most of these clients have unmet basic needs such as for water, eggs, bread (essential groceries).