How do I sign up to volunteer with Meals on Wheels People?

1. Complete an application at this link: Sign Up to Volunteer
2. Sign up for the “New Volunteer Orientation” at the above link. This is a virtual orientation held every Tuesday at 10 a.m. on Zoom.
3. When you attend the orientation, you will learn next steps, including completing the background check and selecting your preferred volunteer role and center location.

How old do I need to be to volunteer?

It depends on the type of volunteer activity. View our current volunteer positions and the age requirements at this link: Volunteer Opportunities 

Can I complete court-mandated community service hours at Meals on Wheels People?

All volunteers are required to complete orientation and have an approved background check on file before volunteering. You can complete your court-mandated community service with Meals on Wheels People if your background check is approved.

Can I volunteer with my child?

Yes! As long as you are over 18 and a registered, background-check-approved volunteer with MOWP, you can bring a minor on your meal delivery route or they can help out at a dining center, as long as you are present during their shift. It can be fun to adopt a route with your kids as a family-bonding activity.

I used to volunteer with Meals on Wheels and I want to start volunteering again. What do I do?

Welcome back! Please check that your volunteer information is up to date in Volunteer Hub at this link: Meals on Wheels People (volunteerhub.com).

Once you’ve done that, you can contact your center manager directly to restart your volunteer schedule. If you’d like to change center locations, you can reach out to [email protected].

If it has been 2+ years since you’ve volunteered, you will need to have a new background check submitted.

I’m already background checked through my work/school/job. Do I need to get another one through MOWP to start volunteering?

Yes. We require a background check through ORCHARDS in Oregon and WATCH in Washington. These systems do not pull results from other background check facilities. This is a requirement of our county contracts. We know it is another step that can take a while, so we appreciate your cooperation and patience.

Do I need my own car to deliver meals?

Yes, volunteers use their own vehicles to deliver meals for Meals on Wheels People. It will be easiest if you have an SUV or a car with back seats that fold down for more storage. You will need to have current car insurance on file with us. We do offer mileage reimbursement for volunteers. Ask your volunteer supervisor for a reimbursement form if you would like to claim reimbursement for mileage.

Do I have to sign up for a regular volunteer shift every week?

No. You certainly can schedule a regular weekly meal delivery route, Friendly Chats calls, or dining center shift with your local center, but it is not a requirement to volunteer with us. Most centers post their weekly volunteer shift needs on Volunteer Hub every Wednesday at this link: Center Volunteer Shifts

You can sign up for a shift as it works with your schedule. If you are unable to make your shift due to illness or a scheduling conflict, please do let us know.

Where do I find the link to view available volunteer shifts?

You can view current center volunteer shifts here: Center Volunteer Shifts

You can view current Meals 4 Kids volunteer shifts here: Meals 4 Kids Volunteer Shifts

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Reach out to your center manager to see if they have available shifts that are not listed on Volunteer Hub.

Where do I find the MOWP Volunteer Handbook?

You can find it here: Volunteer Handbook

How do I get Mileage Reimbursement for meal delivery?

Talk to your volunteer supervisor or email us at [email protected]. You can submit a monthly mileage reimbursement form for meal delivery routes.

How do I sign up for volunteer orientations?

You can sign up for any of our volunteer orientations here. Simply log in, scroll down to the calendar, and click on the event you’d like to register for. You will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link and any necessary information included.