Texas, let's do lunch
Drop off a warm meal
and get more than you expect.
VOLUNTEER FORM
There has never been a more critical time to get involved
WELCOME
Home Delivered Meals program provides home-delivered meals to seniors and individuals with disabilities from ages 18 and up who are unable to prepare meals for themselves. We offer nutritious meals, companionship, and a safety check. This is a great space to share our journey and the mission behind our home meal delivery service. We are passionate about providing high-quality, delicious meals and ensuring the well-being of our clients. Our team is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those we serve.
ABOUT VOLUNTEERING
UPDATE
At this time of increased need, some programs desperately need new volunteers while others cannot process them or have temporarily adjusted their delivery methods. Please be patient if you do not hear back immediately.
WHY IS VOLUNTEERING FOR MEALS ON WHEELS SO IMPORTANT?
People 85+ represent the fastest growing segment of the American population, and the number of seniors as a whole is projected to double over the next three to four decades. While our current corps of 2 million volunteers is struggling to keep pace with this rapid growth, it will take a huge increase in volunteers and resources to begin to meet the need going forward.
Texas, Let’s Do Lunch is intended to shine a light on this growing and urgent need and help spark the involvement of people just like you to help fill that need.
If you can’t volunteer but would like to help, consider donating to help protect and provide the comfort, company and nutrition seniors need. You can identify the local program(s) serving your community .
WHAT WILL I BE DOING WHEN I VOLUNTEER?
The most common volunteer job is delivering meals and friendly greetings to home-bound seniors. Most typically, this involves picking up meals at a central location and delivering them along a pre-determined route directly to the homes of several seniors in your area. Once you’re done, you return the delivery packaging items and get back on your way.
HOW OFTEN WILL I BE EXPECTED TO VOLUNTEER?
We can set up a volunteer schedule that works with yours. Whether that be once a week, once a month or as needed, just mention your preferences when you connect with your local program.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO VOLUNTEER?
Local programs typically aim to provide volunteer opportunities that fit within a lunch break of up to an hour and a half.
CAN I VOLUNTEER AT TIMES OTHER THAN LUNCH HOUR?
Yes. Most local Meals programs have the need for volunteers to fill a number of roles that can be done outside of the lunch hour and at varying locations. Please check in with your local program to see what is available in your area.
WILL I EAT WITH THE CLIENTS?
Volunteers are expected to deliver the meal and generally check in with the clients to make sure they are okay through a friendly greeting or brief conversation. You are not expected to stay with the client for the meal.
HOW DO I SIGN UP?
Fill out the signup form and we’ll share your interest with the local Home Delivered Meals Near you.
CAN I VOLUNTEER WITH A GROUP?
Groups are very welcome. Please mention your interest in volunteering as a group when reaching out..
CAN MY COMPANY OR ORGANIZATION SET UP VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN MULTIPLE CITIES?
Yes! Companies or organizations interested in creating group volunteer opportunities in multiple cities can express interest by sending an email to hdmr6@choicesolutions-inc.com
WHY IS THERE A VETTING PROCESS FOR VOLUNTEERS?
While the vetting process for volunteers is the same for hired staff, all programs are invested in the safety of their clients. You may be asked to undergo a background check process prior to delivering meals if your local program assigns you to a route unaccompanied by a more experienced volunteer or staff member.
WHO PREPARES THE FOOD?
Typically paid staff and/or volunteers who want to help in the kitchen prepare the meals. Food preparation is not part of the meal delivery volunteer assignment. Meals are individually packaged to be handed off simply to clients.
DO I NEED A CAR?
In most locations volunteers who deliver meals will drive their own cars. However, in some urban settings, delivery routes can be covered on foot or by using mass transit.
WILL I ALWAYS VOLUNTEER WITH THE SAME CLIENTS?
Typically, recurring volunteers can sign up for a set schedule and delivery route, therefore allowing you to visit the same seniors on a regular basis. However, there is often a need to fill in open volunteer slots or to volunteer on different schedules which could result in serving different clients on different days.
HOW MANY CLIENTS WILL I MEET WHEN I “DO LUNCH?”
That largely depends on the distance between deliveries. Volunteers in more rural settings typically see fewer clients in a single volunteer shift, while those in urban areas can visit quickly with multiple clients living in close proximity to each other.
CAN I RESCHEDULE WHEN SOMETHING COMES UP?
Schedules are typically flexible with appropriate notice. Once you’re connected with our Home Delivered Meals program, you’ll be able to work directly with them to manage your volunteer schedule.
ABOUT HOME DELIVERED MEALS CLIENTS
WHO ARE THE CLIENTS OF HOME DELIVERED MEALS?
We serve more than 2.4 million seniors from 60 to 100+ years old each year. These are our loved-ones, parents, grandparents, veterans and neighbors. They are primarily older than 60 and, because of physical limitations or financial difficulties, struggle to shop for or prepare meals for themselves. From rural communities to urban centers across the country, hardly any senior is beyond our reach. More than half a million of the people we serve are veterans (over 20%). 64% of clients are women. 40% live in poverty. 100% would love to meet you.
WHO QUALIFIES FOR HOME DELIVERED MEALS??
Seniors threatened with hunger and social isolation make up the core of Home Delivered Meals program clients. Specific qualifications vary by community, however, services typically require physical or financial challenges to their ability to eat healthy meals and move freely about their communities. In many areas, there are not enough local resources to meet the need, leading to the creation of waiting lists full of people who need the service but are not yet recipients.
WHAT IS HOME DELIVERED MEALS?
Home Delivered Meals is a TEXAS based network of State ,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, where they want to be. This support is typically a nutritious meal, a friendly visit and a quick safety check.
WHAT DOES HOME DELIVERED MEALS?
Home Delivered Meals primarily provides nutritious meals, a quick safety check and much-needed human connection to homebound seniors. In some communities.
WHY DOES HOME DELIVERED MEALS?
The reality is that 9 million seniors in America struggle with hunger, 15 million live in isolation and 18 million live in or near poverty. This problem will only become more serious as the senior population is projected to double by 2050. Families are spread out and elders are left behind, often struggling to remain self-sufficient.
Learn more about HOME DELIVERED MEALS and the role it plays in communities.
WHAT IS HOME DELIVERED MEALS TEXAS?
HOME DELIVERED MEALS Is Texas based and local community-based programs across the Houston greater area dedicated to improving the lives of their senior neighbors. At the national level, we create opportunities, generate research that improves performance and act as the national voice that empowers and strengthens local communities.
