Volunteering with Meals on Wheels PLUS

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we deliver a weeks’ worth of meals Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays during lunchtime to homebound seniors in Manatee County. You can help us make it happen!

Meals are delivered between 10am-2pm to homebound seniors in Manatee County. Volunteers typically deliver the same route once a week or serve as a substitute driver on various routes as available. Routes vary in size with an average time commitment of 2-3 hours. 

Meal delivery drivers should be 18 years of age and older.  Jumpers (or passengers) younger than 18 years old are welcome to join a trusted adult for meal delivery.  Volunteers must complete training, a Zoom orientation class, and pass a background check before they are able to sign up for meal delivery.

Requirements:

• Volunteers must be 18 years of age and older.
• Working vehicle, up-to-date insurance, comfortable with GPS navigation.
• Valid driver's license.
• Pass Level 1 background check.
• Compassion for elderly and disabled persons.

To get started, complete this Meal Delivery Application.

The Food Bank of Manatee is operated by Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee and is another way to provide nutrition and caring, supportive services to our community. The Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief organization based in Manatee County and has provided over 30 million pounds of food since 1985 for local children, families, and seniors

Volunteer opportunities occur Monday - Friday, typically during business hours.  Food sorting and packing shifts are typically 8:30 am - 11 am, or 11 am - 1 pm.  Distributions occur late afternoons on Wednesdays, or through out the day one Thursday a month.  

Requirements:

• Volunteers must be 16 years of age and older.
• Must be able to stand for a few hours at a time.
• May need to be able to lift medium weight items and boxes.

This volunteer opportunity takes place at 811 23rd Avenue East, Bradenton 34208.

To get started, complete this Volunteer Application

Help around the warehouse to prepare for our food distributions. Community service hours are available.

Our Meal Delivery service wouldn't exist without support from our warehouse staff and volunteers. We are seeking volunteers Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, in the morning or early afternoon, to help with loading cars, wiping totes down, bagging frozen meals or produce, and more. Warehouse volunteers are often on their feet for a few hours at a time and may need to be able to lift medium weight items and boxes. 

Volunteers must be 16 years of age and older.

This volunteer opportunity takes place at 811 23rd Ave E, Bradenton 34208.

To get started, complete this  Volunteer Application

Connect with active seniors in our community. Shine your light to create a more vibrant social environment for the clients at Daybreak Adult Day Center. 

At Daybreak Adult Day Center, we provide a safe, secure environment with social, recreational, and therapeutic activities designed to meet the needs of older adults who live at home with a loved one but cannot be left alone while their caregiver works or attends to other responsibilities. Daybreak is an ongoing, year-round program operating Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 5:00 pm with most clients attending between 8:30 am and 3:00 pm.

Volunteers assist staff with facilitating games, group conversations, arts and crafts, teaching technology, staying fit, and much more.

Most volunteers will be required to pass a level-one background check, some may need to pass a level-two background check. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. 

The Daybreak Adult Day Center is located at 10920 SR-70 E, Lakewood Ranch 34202. 

To get started complete this Client Facing Application

Help us around the Office! 

For volunteers who want to be involved, but like to work behind the scenes, look no further! We are always in need of assistance in our office--from answering phones, to decorating for holidays, we have a volunteer opportunity for you! 

Volunteers must be 16 years of age and older.

This volunteer opportunity takes place at our office at 811 23rd Ave E, Bradenton 34208.

To get started complete this Volunteer Application

Volunteer Opportunity Examples:

• Fun Committee
• Answering Phones
• General Office Assistant

Connect with homebound seniors in our community. Shine your light by offering a friendly visit to seniors who would benefit from a cheerful, informal, and caring chat.   These friendly visits are for up to one (1) hour per week for a period of up to thirteen weeks who have tested positive on a loneliness screening. 

Join our seniors at our activity center (Friendship Dining Center) for a day fun. Assist staff with a variety of activities including:

• Greeting clients as they arrive 
• Encourage participation in morning exercise and daily news.
• Assist staff with facilitation of games, discussion groups, arts & crafts, etc.
• Assist with lunch service.