A Day in the Life - Meals on Wheels Riverside

Make A Difference

Our volunteers are everything to us!

Riverside Meals on Wheels volunteers have a big heart for our housebound neighbors. They arrive early to convenient pick up locations and are eager to deliver nutritious meals Monday-Friday! Volunteers drive their own vehicles to make deliveries throughout the Greater Riverside communities including: Riverside, Corona, Eastvale, Mira Loma, Norco and Jurupa Valley. Board members are volunteers too.

"If you think you don’t have time to give back to our community, Meals on Wheels will change your mind as there are so many opportunities to help. Seniors often get forgotten. It takes so little to make their day with a smile, check-in, and nutritional meal."
Jeannine Marie Brown, Riverside Meals on Wheels Volunteer

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 are 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. If you can’t volunteer but would like to help, consider donating to help protect and provide the comfort, company, and nutrition seniors need.
What Will I Be Doing When I Volunteer?
The most common volunteer job is delivering meals and friendly greetings to homebound 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?
Meal deliveries typically take about one to two hours.
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 follow up with you shortly, or you can call our office, (951) 683-7151, to speak with a staff member.
Can I Volunteer With A Group?
Groups are very welcome. Please mention your interest in volunteering as a group when speaking to your local program.
Can My Company Or Organization Set Up Volunteer Opportunities In Multiple Cities?
Yes! Companies or organizations interested in creating volunteer groups are welcome.
Why Is There A Vetting Process For Volunteers?
We prioritize the safety of our clients. You may be asked to undergo a background check process prior to delivering meals and may be assigned to a route unaccompanied by a more experienced volunteer or staff member.
Who Prepares The Food?
We contract a kitchen to 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?
Yes, our volunteers drive their own cars to make our meal deliveries.
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?
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?
Yes, schedules are flexible with appropriate notice. We know that you are busy, so are happy to work with your schedule.