Make a difference by meal delivery to the homebound

By Ginna Young

It’s important that people get regular, nutritious meals and to help with that, volunteers are sought for Meals on Wheels (MOW) delivery routes. The need is especially great in Cadott, through the Chippewa County MOW program.

“The more volunteers we have, the more we can rotate volunteers to accommodate everyone’s busy schedules,” said Kelly Zimmerman, nutrition and transportation coordinator.

Meals are delivered between 11 a.m. and noon, Monday through Friday, with some days slightly longer, depending on how many are on the route. No weekend or holiday meals are delivered.

“We have volunteers that deliver once a week, twice a month, as a fill-in, or even seasonally, like summer or winter,” said Zimmerman. “We know everyone is busy and will work with what fits their schedule.”

There is a volunteer application that includes a background check, and after the application is approved, the individual will be contacted for orientation and training. Options in- clude submitting volunteer paperwork securely online; printing the paperwork and mailing it to the Chippewa County ADRC; or requesting an application to be emailed.

After agreeing to be a MOW driver, a volunteer picks up meals at a designated location, and receives the names and addresses of those they will deliver the meals to safely, by following guidelines provided during orientation. A hot meal is dropped off to those who are homebound and have difficulty preparing meals.

Volunteers use their own vehicle and may choose to be reimbursed mileage for the delivery route. A W-9 form will be required if they choose to claim mileage reimbursement.

“If they choose not to request reimbursement, be assured that those dollars stay in the MOW program, thereby allowing us to serve more meals,” said Zimmerman.

Zimmerman says the obvious benefit to volunteering, is the person helps participants receive a nutritious meal that they otherwise cannot prepare, but that the less obvious is just as beneficial. Many homebound people are isolated and look forward to the volunteer’s visit.

A volunteer doesn’t just drop off a meal, but will also check up on the person to see how they are doing and if they are experiencing difficulties with anything else.

“This program often leads to other services that can help people stay and flourish in their own home,” said Zimmerman. “Volunteers can be the key to that connection.”