VOLUNTEER
Our volunteers help serve almost half a million meals to Sacramento County seniors every year and make a big difference in the community through their caring service.
Volunteer With Meals on Wheels!
Meals on Wheels volunteers are truly the heart of the organization, because they touch the lives of seniors through their time and service. So many of our program participants express to us how much they value and appreciate the volunteers who make Meals on Wheels possible.
Volunteers are essential in providing care and compassion to seniors in need of nutritional assistance and community connection. Together, volunteers provide an average of 5,000 hours of service each month and support the continuation of this program. With the help of compassionate and dedicated volunteers, Meals on Wheels is able to serve thousands of seniors in need of meals throughout Sacramento County.
Although volunteer drivers are always our program’s greatest need, there are different ways to support Meals on Wheels through volunteering. These opportunities range from office assisting, volunteering at one of our All Seasons Cafes, and telephone call reassessments. Special volunteer opportunities are often arranged based on your skills, availability, and interests.
Benefits of Volunteering for Meals on Wheels
- Brighten the days of isolated and lonely seniors
- Help seniors maintain an independent lifestyle
- Work directly to make a difference in your community
- Lend a hand in overall operations
- Develop friendships with seniors and other kind-hearted volunteers
- Learn valuable skills and gain experience for your resume
- Fulfill community service or school internship hours
- Enjoy annual special recognition events
- Have fun and be inspired!
Volunteer Orientations
We currently conduct volunteer orientations at our main office located at 7375 Park City Drive, Sacramento. To receive an invitation to attend, or to ask your questions, please email us at volunteer@mowsac.org.
Orientation and Training Topics:
- The purpose and mission of Meals on Wheels by ACC
- Information about Meals on Wheels programs and activities
- Fill out an application and related paperwork
- Current and future volunteer opportunities
- Protected Health Information and Privacy
- Elder Abuse Information and Mandated Reporting
For more information about volunteering please call 916 444-9533.
Current, Future, and Possible Volunteer Opportunities
- Volunteer Delivery Drivers
- Café Operations
- Office Support
- AniMeals Pet Food Program
- Telephone Call Reassessments
- Fundraising
- Outreach
- Event Planning
- Translators
- Committees
- Photographing our people and at our events
- Friendly visiting
- Whatever you are skilled in!
Volunteering: Frequently Asked Questions
How does the application process work?
All volunteers start by attending orientation and filling out an application. To receive an invitation to attend, or to ask your questions, please email us at volunteer@mowsac.org.
Do I need to have the COVID vaccine to volunteer?
At this time volunteers are no longer required to provide proof of COVID vaccination. Wearing a mask during the completion of volunteer hours is not required. However, if a participant asks that a volunteer wear a mask, we ask that this request be honored.
How long is my time commitment?
The length of your commitment depends on you and your availability. For those who cannot make a long-term commitment, we can arrange short-term and special project opportunities. For home meal delivery we ask that you commit to a minimum of two shifts per month, for at least 6 months. For cafe support, please be available for a minimum of 6 months.
What is the minimum age for volunteering?
For most positions, volunteers must be at least 18. Younger volunteers require parent consent and adult supervision. The minimum age for volunteer drivers is 21.
If I work a regular 9-5 job, can I still volunteer?
We can arrange special projects, such as card making socials, supporting pet food drives, and throughout the year, holiday events. We do our best to find volunteer tasks that work with specific schedules.
Do you require a background check?
In order to ensure the safety of our seniors, certain volunteer positions require background checks. Volunteer drivers, in particular, must pass a background check, as they have access to our participants’ homes. This process is completed online at no cost to the volunteer.
What do I do if I’m sick?
To protect the health of our seniors, we ask that volunteers who are sick to refrain from volunteering until they have recovered and are symptom free for at least 72 hours. If you have tested positive for COVID 19, please follow the current CDC guidelines at cdc.gov/coronavirus. Please notify us as far in advance of your absence, so that we can arrange for someone to cover for you. Even if your illness starts a few days before and you think that you may be “okay” in time, please contact the Volunteer Services Specialists so that we can have a back-up plan.
If I deliver meals, do I use my own vehicle?
Yes, volunteers must use their own vehicle to make deliveries.
Do you reimburse for gas?
Yes, we do.
Can I deliver meals on weekends and holidays?
Unfortunately, we do not deliver meals on weekends and federal holidays (except Veterans Day and Juneteenth).
★★★★★
- Karen
★★★★★
- Jacquie
★★★★★
“I have been a Sacramento Meals on Wheels volunteer driver for 2-1/2 years and know that while our seniors’ nourishment is enhanced with a hot daily meal, my heart and soul are nourished each and every time a I ring the bell and am welcomed by a senior’s smile and ever-thankful gratitude. When asked why I volunteer with Meals on Wheels, my answer is simply this: if I can help a senior in need with a hot meal, a smile, a wellness check-in and a good listening ear for a few minutes, my heart is full — so very full”