Hanford site contractor makes big donation to feed Richland seniors

A company with Hanford nuclear site contracts is giving back to Richland with a donation of $12,500 to Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels.

The donation from Amentum will pay for 1,450 meals for seniors home bound in Richland or at the Meals on Wheels Howard Amon dining location at the Richland Community Center.

Amentum is a partner in Hanford Tank Waste Operations and Closure, or H2C, the new Hanford tank farm contractor and future operator of the vitrification plant. It also is the lead partner in Central Plateau Cleanup Co., which holds the contract for environmental cleanup at other parts of the Hanford site.

Because of donations like the one from Amentum, no senior has been turned away or placed on a wait list by Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels, said Brian Kinner director of the nonprofit.

“With the rising costs of food and fuel, continuing our level of service has required more resources and support than ever before,” he said.

Meals on Wheels deliver not only hot meals to homebound seniors, but social support, including a smile and reassurance that they are not forgotten, according to the agency.

For many of them those meal deliveries — or their visits to dining rooms — may be their only face-to-face connection that day, he said.

“Every dollar translates into a direct act of compassion,” Kinner said.

Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels is a program of Senior Life Resources Northwest.