Meals on Wheels simply does not function or achieve its mission without a dedicated volunteer force. Meals on Wheels has over 250 volunteers a year who help in serving our homebound neighbors in need. Volunteers devote over 17,000 hours annually helping out in the kitchen preparing meals, assisting in the office with clerical duties, driving and delivering meals to clients, and working special events. 

The impact volunteers make for Meals on Wheels as an organization as well as in the lives of the people being served by the program is undeniable. Additionally, the volunteer experience is often enhanced by many volunteers forming friendships and creating community among their fellow volunteers. So, how does someone start their volunteering experience with Meals on Wheels? How do you determine which volunteer role is a good fit for you? Here are some of the volunteer basics to get you started…

First Steps

• Complete a volunteer application either through our website or request and complete a paper copy.

• Complete our background check process. An email is sent to you to initiate the process, and it is all completed quickly online once you provide the necessary information.

  • MOWLB reviews background check results and potentially disqualifying factors on a case-by-case basis. Automatic disqualifying convictions are any of those found in Colorado Revised Statutes sections 27-90-111(9)(b) and (9)(c).

• Attend a brief orientation or training session to help better understand your volunteer role.

Meals on Wheels Volunteer Roles

• Meal Delivery Driver: Volunteers who choose this role make up the bulk of the Meals on Wheels volunteer force. These are the individuals who pick up and deliver hot meals to clients on an assigned delivery route. 

  Time commitment is approximately 2 hrs (11am - 1pm) once a week. Volunteers must have access to their own insured vehicle, be 18 years of age or older, and have had a valid driver’s license for at least 2 years. 

• Kitchen Assistant: Volunteers who choose this role to assist in preparing cold food sacks that accompany the hot meals. They also assist with packing coolers and preparing hot food trays for delivery. 

  Time commitment is approximately 3.5 hrs (8am - 11:30am) once a week. Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older (or under 16 accompanied by an adult volunteer partner) and able to stand on their feet for over 3 hours at a time. No professional cooking experience is required. 

• Office Assistant: Volunteers who choose this role assist administrative staff in taking phone calls, doing data entry, and completing a variety of other clerical duties. 

  Time commitment is approximately 4 hrs (8:30am - 12:30pm) once a week. Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older and comfortable using a computer. 

• Special Events: Volunteers who choose this role assist, as needed, with special events Meals on Wheels may put on throughout the year. This primarily applies to Meals on Wheels’ signature fundraising event held in the summer. This fundraiser typically takes about 80 volunteers to help make it a success. Special event volunteers may also help with special holiday activities or volunteer recruitment fairs. 

  Time commitment varies on event type and participation. Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older (or under 16 accompanied by an adult volunteer partner).

Volunteer Appreciation

Meals on Wheels puts on volunteer appreciation events once or twice a year to bring together all the incredible volunteers that make the work of the organization and impact on the community possible! This is a fun opportunity to celebrate successes, meet fellow volunteers and staff who you may not get to cross paths with, and usually enjoy good food and good atmosphere. We also love to give our volunteers gifts and treats whenever we can.