It’s been nine months since the pandemic forced us to cancel plans, socially distance, and stay home as much as possible. If you are looking for a safe way to get out of the house, consider volunteering with Meals On Wheels.
What is Meals On Wheels?
Meals on Wheels is a nationwide network of community-based, non-profit programs dedicated to providing seniors in their communities with the support that enables them to remain living in their own homes. This support is typically a nutritious meal, a friendly visit, and a quick wellness check.
Meals On Wheels of Northeast Ohio serves seniors in Stark, Summit, and Wayne Counties. Through the duration of the pandemic, Meals On Wheels NEO has implemented safe, contactless delivery procedures to protect volunteers and the clients they serve.
Meals On Wheels NEO is a program of VANTAGE Aging, a nonprofit that promotes positive aging and supports our senior community members’ desire to age in place.
What do Meals On Wheels volunteers do?
Volunteers at Meals on Wheels provide nutritious meals, a quick wellness check, and human connection to homebound seniors. The program works with resources to meet the needs of our community’s seniors.
As a volunteer, you first sign up to get a delivery route in a specific neighborhood. Each route takes about 90 minutes to complete.
After picking up the meals at one of our Meals On Wheels sites, you use a tablet to follow the delivery route. Meals On Wheels provides you with the tablet and pre-programs your route with a map application.
Due to the pandemic, deliveries are contact-free. Clients are encouraged to provide a chair or table outside of their door for you to set the meal on. Volunteers must wear masks when delivering.
Why you should volunteer with Meals On Wheels
When you volunteer for Meals On Wheels, you deliver more than just a meal. You help support our senior community members’ ability to live at home, where they want to be. You also help to ensure that no senior is left hungry or alone during these uncertain times.
Choosing to deliver meals to seniors is a great way to get out of the house safely. Often, volunteers enjoy delivering meals as much as clients love seeing those who deliver, even if it is only through the window right now.
While meal deliveries mean so much to seniors, they also offer many benefits to volunteers. Meals On Wheels volunteers reap the physical and mental benefits of giving back and being a part of the community.
As a nonprofit, Meals On Wheels relies on dedicated volunteers to serve those in need. Whether you want to deliver with your spouse or simply get out of the house for a small break from your daily routine, volunteering to deliver meals is a great option for those who want to lend a hand but are not sure how to during the pandemic.
How to get started
Signing up to volunteer with Meals On Wheels is easy! You do not have to make a long-term commitment and can volunteer as much or as little as you like.
If you are interested in volunteering, you can sign up for a route on VANTAGE Aging’s website. Or, you can contact MOWVolunteer@vantageaging.org for more information.
Please do not hesitate to contact Meals On Wheels with any questions. We are happy to help and want to provide you with a meaningful volunteer experience. Together, we can deliver more to those who need it most.
*The information in this article is intended solely to provide general information on matters of interest for the personal use of the reader, who accepts full responsibility for its use. This article should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional legal, medical, or other competent advisors.