How to Join Meals on Wheels

The Meals on Wheels Association of America provides incredibly low cost nutritional meals to senior citizens who need them. The Meals on Wheels headquarters is located in Alexandria, Virginia, but the program reaches cities nationwide. The association is made up of individual and corporate members who specialize in not-for-profit meals, nutrition and companies who can provide food supplies and services.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Join Meals on Wheels

1. Make a request to be a volunteer online through the Meals on Wheels website (see Resources below). Request information about volunteer opportunities near you through their special form, and be sure to include a valid email address.
2. Donate to Meals on Wheels. You can volunteer your money to help fund Meals on Wheels programs that can aid seniors who need nutritious food. Make a contribution online by clicking the "donate" link on the website.
3. Call your local Meals on Wheels and volunteer to deliver meals to routes near your home. Many Meals on Wheels chapters have waiting lists for recipients due to a lack of volunteer drivers who want to join.

Start a Meals on Wheels Program

4. Answer the nutritional needs of low-income seniors in your community by getting information on how to start a Meals on Wheels program. Contact local food banks and elderly advocacy groups for help.
5. Ask the U.S. Administration on Aging (AAA) about the need for a Meals on Wheels program in your community by contacting their Eldercare Locator service. Call them at [phone] any weekday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
6. Figure out how the Meals on Wheels program you are starting will receive funding. Consider private sources, public donation and federal grant options.
7. Get help from the Administration on Aging to start your Meals on Wheels program. The AA can help find funding through the Older Americans Act and the Community Development Block Grant.
8. Request help from other private foundations who work to eradicate hunger in the community. Ask groups like the United Way to join you in your efforts to start a program with a one time monetary or food donation get the Meals on Wheels program up and running.

Tips & Warnings

• You might consider recruiting volunteers for Meals on Wheels programs by hosting a party or special event to raise awareness about the need for Meals on Wheels to service the community and educate people about how they can join.