Meals on Wheels — Catered Care for ColumbiaOur Volunteers Make The Difference!
Each year, during the week before Valentine's Day, box lunch meals, prepared by Jack's Gourmet Restaurant, are sold for $10 each. Half of the cost is a tax deductible donation to Meals on Wheels.
Meals on Wheels has been in Columbia, Missouri for over 30 years. We are a United Way agency and receive funds from the City of Columbia. With only 1¾ staff members, we rely on volunteers every day. Meals are delivered Monday through Friday at noontime. Between the 11 a.m. and Noon the meals are ready for pickup and delivery usually takes less than an hour.
Volunteers deliver an average of seven hot meals. Between 150 and 200 meals are delivered each day. A written instruction sheet is provided each day with directions to each home. A cooler is also provided as well as close parking at the Veterans Hospital where Meals are prepared. Training is conducted the first day as well as a ride along with an experienced volunteer. Substitute volunteers are called 2-3 times a month and regular drivers are scheduled once a week. Volunteers enjoy flexibility and regular volunteers do not have to find their own substitutes. An optional gathering time before delivery includes snacks and conversation with other volunteers.
The satisfaction of helping others in a face to face situation is the reason most volunteer.All ages are welcome. We have preschoolers coming with their mothers and one volunteer are over the age of 95. Students, working professionals and retirees as well as stay at home moms all volunteer weekly.You can deliver alone or with a friend, relative or spouse. A vehicle, insurance and valid driver's license are required. It takes over 100 volunteers each week and we currently have an additional 70 trained as substitutes. If interested, send e-mail. Director Marcia Walker trains and works with volunteers. She will be in contact with you.
Thanks for your interest.
Eligibility for Meals and Service!
If you are seeking information on eligibility to receive meals use the same email address. We assist anyone over the age of 60. Those under that age need a permanent or temporary illness, injury, accident or disability. Cost is based on the recipients income and is a sliding fee scale. The maximum amount is $5.00 per meal if income exceeds $20,000.00 per year.
Special modified diets, special consistency diets are provided as well as a monthly menu, a loaf of bread weekly, flowers, Mid Missouri Mature Living, holiday favors, birthday cake and card. A minimum delivery of three days is required and referrals may be from self, friends, relatives or health professionals. A phone assessment is used and delivery usually begins the same or next day.
We do not have a waiting list.