As the cost of living rises, sadly, many seniors are forced to make unfair choices between many of life's neccesities such as food, shelter, or proper medications. New England needs your helping in reaching out to the seniors in your communities to see that they do not go without and are being provided with the proper nutrition they deserve. Meals on Wheels helps make this possible. Read on to see how you can volunteer, donate, and help.
Take Action - End Senior Hunger
Meals On Wheels programs provide nutritious food, warm conversation and regular safety checks to hungry seniors in urban, suburban and rural communities all over the country.
They deliver meals to hungry seniors in your community...but they need your help.
What will YOU do to end senior hunger
Take Action - Volunteer
As the number of seniors at risk of hunger grows, so too does the need for Meals On Wheels volunteers. Meals On Wheels programs nationwide face high food and gas prices, waiting lists for clients and funding cuts. More than ever, they need volunteers to keep their programs going – and to keep hungry seniors fed. Reliable volunteers are critical for our Member programs.
What can YOU do?
There are a lot of volunteer opportunities at a Meals On Wheels program near you, though specific openings will vary from one location to another. People with all schedules, interests and abilities can help at a local Meals On Wheels program – whether they want to be hands-on or behind the scenes, and whether they can volunteer during weekdays or only on evenings and weekends.
MOWAA Members across the country identified these common volunteer positions. Not all opportunities are not available at every organization – and many local programs have additional, unique volunteer needs. Call your local organization to find out how you can help.
Drivers and Runners
Drivers pick up meals at a central location then follow a specific route, making several stops along the way to deliver to Meals On Wheels recipients. Sometimes a driver works with a volunteer “runner” who takes the meal from the car to the door of the seniors’ homes.
Special Events
All Meals On Wheels programs have events and fundraisers that require extra help – including planning and organizing, publicity, onsite setup and staffing and much more. Ask your local program if there are upcoming events that you can help with.
Office Help
Most people don't realize that all Meals On Wheels programs have an administrative side – an office that organizes meal preparation and delivery and communicates with clients. Many programs use volunteers to provide administrative and clerical support to keep the office running smoothly.
Meal Preparation and Packaging
At many programs, volunteers assist in the kitchen, preparing meals or packing them for delivery.
Telephone Calls
Many programs have volunteers who make regular phone calls to the seniors to check up on them. This is often a great opportunity for volunteers looking to participate from their own homes on a flexible schedule.
Senior Center Aides
Some Meals On Wheels programs provide congregate meals in addition to home delivered meals – serving meals at a central location, where seniors can come to eat together. For programs that include a senior center, there are many opportunities available for those interested in helping with activities, meal service and other tasks.
Find a Local Program
If you don’t know where your nearest Meals On Wheels program is, you can use our website directory to find a program close to you. Search by state or city to find your local program.
In times of great difficulty and stress, we are defined by how we act and by what we do to bring about positive and lasting change. Be a leader: Contact your local Meals On Wheels program and see what you can do to help provide The Next Meal so no senior goes hungry®.
Contact Us
For more information or to speak with someone, please contact us at:
203 S. Union Street Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Phone: 703.548.5558 | Fax: 703-548-8024
Or you can reach us by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Information as taken from the official Meals of Wheels website. For more information on becoming a volunteer, making donations, or to find service locations in your area please visit Meals on Wheels direct.
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