Senior Resource Center seeking volunteer drivers for home-delivered meals program

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The New Hanover County Senior Resource Center is seeking volunteer drivers to help deliver meals to older adults through its Home-Delivered Meals Program.

The program provides healthy, prepared meals to more than 650 homebound seniors every weekday across New Hanover County. The service is available to residents age 60 and older who are experiencing food insecurity and isolation, helping meet nutritional needs while also providing regular social interaction.

County officials say volunteer drivers play a critical role in ensuring participants receive not only meals, but also a friendly visit and an important wellness check.

“Our amazing drivers are crucial to the health and well-being of older adults in the county,” said Paige Lundberg, Nutrition Services Program Manager. “In delivering this daily meal, they also provide a homebound older adult a warm interaction, and, most importantly, a safety check. This is truly a rewarding opportunity if someone is looking to give back to the community.”

The Senior Resource Center is looking for both regular route drivers and substitute volunteers who can fill in as needed. Volunteers can choose delivery days that fit their schedules, with routes available Monday through Friday.

Routes vary in distance and number of stops but generally take about two hours to complete. Drivers are provided with a GPS-enabled smartphone to assist with navigation and route sequencing.

Meal pickups take place at the Senior Resource Center, between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on weekdays.

The center offers a monthly orientation for prospective volunteers, and shadowing opportunities are available for those interested in learning more about the role.

Additional details about volunteer opportunities, nutrition services, and wellness programs offered through the Senior Resource Center are available on their website.