Meals on Wheels resumes service in Mpls. tornado zone

Meals on Wheels has resumed delivering hot food in north Minneapolis for the first time since Sunday's tornado.

The program had to shut down its service in that part of the city after the tornado ripped through the area. Fallen trees and debris made it difficult to drive around.

But the nonprofit is again delivering prepared food. Meals on Wheels plans to deliver more than 600 meals by Friday to mostly low-income residents who are elderly or disabled.

Patrick Rowan, the executive director of Metro Meals on Wheels, says free food is available for people affected by the tornado -- but not everyone can get to it.

"And that's where Meals on Wheels steps in. We're going to people's homes who we know are isolated, who we know are old and frail. So we want to get out there, reach out to them, make sure they are OK," Rowan said.

Denise Harris, executive director of North Minneapolis Meals on Wheels, says people have been anxious to get the hot meals again.

"Our drivers are finding folks with needs. Our phones have been ringing off the hook today," said Harris. "People are looking for those meals, and they're sharing with us what their situation is."

North Minneapolis Meals on Wheels is looking for more volunteers to deliver prepared food in the neighborhood, Harris said.

Drivers say they are finding people who are still without power, or who need medical attention or other help. Meals on Wheels is working with the city and other nonprofits to make sure they get assistance.