The Meals on Wheels program in Gloucester is important now more than ever as older adults continue to self-isolate at home while the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

Pam Allen, Gloucester Senior Center Director and head of Meals on Wheels in Gloucester, said that she and the volunteers have been making phone calls and visiting MOW recipients regularly since the pandemic began, especially to those who live independently.

“We keep up with them to make sure they’re okay,” said Allen.

In addition to delivering five frozen meals once a week and breakfast boxes once a month, Meals on Wheels in Gloucester has been sending its recipients coloring pages, puzzles, a monthly newsletter and even sent out Christmas presents through its Secret Santa program last month.

According to Kathy Vesley, President and CEO of Bay Aging, program enrollment for Meals on Wheels in Gloucester increased by 68 percent from March to August of last year. Allen said that Meals on Wheels weekly recipients rose...