Q: How can I help?
A: Our greatest need is for volunteers who can deliver meals to clients between the hours of 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday through Friday. Other volunteer opportunities include baking cookies, making cards, gift wrapping, pet food drives, exercise coaching, pet therapy visitors, phone companions, administrative, special events, and health fair outreach.

Q: How much time will it take?
A: Meal delivery volunteers share two or more days per month, depending upon availability, spending about two to three hours on each one of those days.

Other opportunities are flexible; the more you give of your time, the more it increases our capacity to serve those who would like our service.

Q: Where do I pick up the food?
A: Meals On Wheels has contracted with O'Connor Hospital and St. Louise Regional Hospital to prepare the food. O'Connor Hospital is located at 2107 Forest Avenue in San Jose and St. Louise Regional Hospital is located at 9400 No Name Uno in Gilroy. The volunteers drive their own automobiles to hospital kitchens to pick-up the meals for delivery.

We provide the necessary equipment to transport the meals safely and efficiently.

Q: What training is necessary?
A: An initial meeting and orientation to The Health Trust and Meals On Wheels takes about 30 minutes.

A one-hour procedural training and a ride along will be provided once your background check has cleared.

Q: What tools will I be given to work with?
A: A route report with an outline of client details and diet information.

Detailed directions to each location and a Thomas Guide are included, along with the meal-delivery equipment.

Q: Does Meals On Wheels provide insurance coverage?
A: Each volunteer must have a valid driver's license and must carry his or her own auto liability insurance.

Q: What sort of time commitment is necessary?
A: We ask for at least a six-month commitment with an open end to encourage you to continue volunteering for Meals On Wheels as long as you would like.