California is launching a new program that will help older adults and others at high risk from COVID-19 by delivering three free meals a day.

In a recent press conference, Governor Newsom explained that Restaurants Deliver: Home Meals for Seniors is the first program of its kind in the country.

Since Restaurants Deliver will use local eateries to prepare and deliver the food, this program will both help senior citizens and other high risk adults to stay home and stay healthy and will also support local restaurants and employees who have lost business during the pandemic.

Local governments will be responsible for choosing restaurants for the program, which will provide three meals a day, seven days a week for seniors in need. The state is already working with local governments to identify seniors who are eligible for the program, including those who meet certain economic criteria, have a high risk of exposure to the virus, or are immunosuppressed.

If you or someone you know think they may qualify for this program, Governor Newsome has said that the best way to begin the process is to call 211 or visit 211.org. California seniors are also encouraged to visit the California Department of Aging’s COVID-19 page for a list of resources for older and other at-risk adults.