Meals on Wheels is a program that delivers meals to people who are unable to leave their homes regularly or cook for themselves. The program began in the United States during the Great Depression, and today, it operates in many countries around the world.
There are many ways for families to get involved with Meals on Wheels. Here are five exciting ways your family can help make a difference: 1. Volunteer to deliver meals. 2. Create some fun decorations to make opening the meals even more exciting. 3. Raise money for Meals on Wheels so they can help even more people. 4. Spread awareness about the program. 5. Volunteer. Each of these can give your family a way to give back in a way that is also meaningful to those who rely on this amazing program.
What is Meals on Wheels?
Meals on Wheels is a national nonprofit organization that delivers meals to homebound seniors, disabled adults, and veterans. Each day, volunteers across the country drive their own cars to deliver meals to people in their communities who are unable to shop or cook for themselves.
Meals on Wheels programs are unique in that they provide not only nutritious food but also regular contact with a friendly face and a helping hand. For many homebound seniors, Meals on Wheels volunteers may be the only visitors they see all week.
How Can My Family Get Involved?
There are many ways your family can get involved with Meals on Wheels. Here are a few ideas:
1 – Help with Meal Delivery for Seniors
If you have an elderly family member who lives alone, you can help them out by delivering meals to their home. Meal delivery services like Meals on Wheels provide hot, nutritious meals to seniors who are unable to cook for themselves of who struggle with food insecurity. You can volunteer to deliver meals once a week or even just once in a while. This is a great way to stay involved in your loved one’s life and make sure they are getting the nourishment they need.
2 – Create Fun Decorations
The Meals on Wheels program is a great way for families to get involved with their communities and help those in need. One of the best ways to get involved is to create fun decorations for the meals that are delivered. This can be anything from simple drawings or napkin holders to more elaborate bags or placemats. It’s a great way to show your support for the program and bring a smile to the faces of those who receive the meals.
3 – Help Raise Money to Help More Seniors with Food Insecurities
As the baby boomer generation ages, the number of seniors facing food insecurity is rising. Meals on Wheels is a great organization that provides meals to seniors in need, but they rely on donations to continue their work. Here are some ways your family can help raise money to support Meals on Wheels and other organizations working to end senior hunger:
- Have a bake sale: Get your friends and neighbors together for a bake sale. Have everyone bring their favorite homemade goodies to sell. All the proceeds can go towards supporting Meals on Wheels or another organization working to reduce senior hunger.
- Have a car wash: This is a great activity for kids of all ages. Set up a car wash in your neighborhood or local park and donate the proceeds to Meals on Wheels or another worthy cause.
- Have a garage sale: Clean out your closets and drawers and have a garage sale! Donate all the proceeds to Meals on Wheels or another charity working to help seniors in need.
- Organize a neighborhood walk/run: Get your community moving and active while raising money for a good cause! Charge participants a small fee to take part in the walk/run and donate the money raised to Meals on Wheels or another senior hunger relief organization.
4 – Spread Awareness About How Helpful Meals on Wheels Is to Many Communities
Meal on Wheels is a vital program that helps keep seniors healthy and independent by delivering meals to their homes. But did you know that Meal on Wheels does much more than just deliver food?
Meal on Wheels programs provide social interaction and companionship for isolated seniors, help keep them active and engaged in their communities, and give them a much-needed break from cooking and cleaning.
There are many ways your family can get involved with Meal on Wheels. Here are just a few:
- Spread awareness about food insecurity in people of all ages, especially seniors.
- Volunteer to help with your local Meals on Wheels program.
- Make a donation to support the work of Meals on Wheels.
- Advocate for policies and funding that support Meals on Wheels and other programs that serve seniors.
- Help spread the word about the importance of supporting seniors in our communities.
5 – Volunteer Your Time to Come In and Help with Meal Preparation
One of the best ways your family can get involved with Meals on Wheels is by volunteering your time to come in and help with meal preparation. This is a great way to teach your children about the importance of giving back and helping those in need. Plus, it’s a fun way to spend some quality time together as a family.
If you’re interested in volunteering, simply contact your local Meals on Wheels program by searching for “Meals on Wheels near me” and let them know you’d like to help out. They will likely be more than happy to have you!
Want a Few Extra Options? We Have Those, Too!
If these are not enough options for you and you want more ideas on ways you can give back, we can help. Should you have an idea of something you think would benefit recipients, call us. We are always on the lookout for ways that more people can become involved!
Help Create Care Packages
If you want a simple way of being able to give back, consider making care packages. Between designing the boxes and bags and adding necessary items into the packages, this type of project can be a lot of fun. It is a great way for both kids and adults to help, while putting a smile on the faces of the recipients when they get their package.
Write Letter and Cards to People Who Receive the Meal Delivery Services
Who doesn’t like to get mail that’s not a bill? Almost no one will turn down a piece of mail with a friendly note inside. Take a few minutes and write notes, cards, or small letters to people who receive the services of Meals on Wheels. They can get their meal and get a note letting them know that someone is thinking about them and wants to know they are alright. It is a simple gesture that only takes a small amount of time, but it can make a huge difference in a senior’s life.
Offer to Check In on Recipients Regularly
When an adult wants to volunteer some extra time, one way of helping could be to offer to do checks on some of the people in the Meals on Wheels program. Some seniors do not have any family to check in on them, but they love to see a friendly face. Offer to be that for them!
Contact Meals on Wheels of Contra Costa to Find Out More
If you’re interested in learning more about how your family can get involved with Meals on Wheels of Contra Costa, contact us today! We would be happy to answer any questions you may have and provide more information about our organization and the ways you can help.
There are many ways to get involved with Meals on Wheels of Contra Costa, whether you’re looking to volunteer your time or make a financial contribution. Whatever your level of interest or involvement, we welcome you to join us in our mission to end senior hunger in our community!
