YOUNGSTOWN — For many senior citizens, the most vulnerable to COVID-19, it’s particularly challenging to get out in the fray to shop.
Sometimes, seniors fall prey to scams like “friendly shoppers” who are likely to over-shop and under-deliver the food.
And there have been reports of overuse of EBT cards by people offering to shop for them since many or most don’t have credit cards to pre-pay for phone orders. lack is not necessarily the issue, it’s fear and vulnerability,” said Sheila Triplett, MYCAP (Mahoning Youngstown Community Action Partnership) director. “It’s exposure and being taken advantage of.”
Upon hearing of the scams and exploitation, Triplett has come up with a plan to partner with ACTION (Alliance for Congregational Transformation Influencing Our Neighborhoods) to activate “delivery angels” to shop for these vulnerable seniors.
Shoppers are vetted by ACTION and MYCAP and they will partner with grocery outlets to ensure that they have a list of approved shoppers.
The Free Delivery Service is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, May 12.
