NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC – Residents seeking an opportunity to give back to the community can volunteer for meal delivery service to homebound seniors here in New Hanover County.
The Senior Resource Center’s Nutrition Program serves more than 650 seniors Monday-Friday as part of the Home Delivered Meals Program. The program provides nutrition to eligible New Hanover County homebound residents aged 60 and older who are facing food insecurity and isolation.
“This program promotes the overall well-being of older adults in New Hanover County by encouraging healthy eating habits which can delay adverse health conditions and allows them to remain independent as long as possible,” said Senior Resource Center Director Amber Smith. “More than that, it’s a chance to interact and put a smile on the face of a homebound individual in our community, which is so important for their social health. We invite those who are willing to volunteer as a regular route driver or substitute to join the team and give back to the community in a rewarding way.”
Regular route volunteers are asked to drive a minimum of one day a week but could do more depending on their availability and willingness to help. Substitute drivers are also needed to fill gaps when regular route drivers are unavailable. Schedules are flexible based on a volunteer’s availability.
Routes vary in distance and take approximately 2 hours to complete. Volunteers are provided with a GPS-enabled smartphone to assist with directions and sequencing. Volunteer drivers pick up meal delivery bags at the Senior Resource Center (2222 S College Road) between 9:30-10:30 a.m. during the work week.
Training is a part of volunteer orientation and shadowing opportunities can be arranged. Orientation for potential new volunteers takes place once a month at the Senior Resource Center.
For more information on volunteering with the weekday Home Delivered Meals program, contact Becky Doherty at bdoherty@nhcgov.com or call 910-798-6406.