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Community Corner

Volunteer Opportunity: Meals On Wheels of Tampa

If you'd like to help home bound and senior residents who aren't able to prepare food, Meals On Wheels can whip up a spot for you.

Meals On Wheels of Tampa
550 W. Hillsborough Ave.
Tampa, FL 33603
Director of Community Services Nancy Drourr: (813) 238-8410

Since 1975, Meals On Wheels of Tampa has provided compassionate contact and hot meals to seniors, the disabled, and other homebound residents who relish their independence and the security of their homes. It now serves about 600 individuals daily.

This local branch of the Meals On Wheels Association of America was originally founded by Gloria Fuentes, a Tampa resident who coordinated with pastors and church members to help her care for homebound relatives. That evolved into a group of volunteers who cooked in the reception hall of a United Methodist Church and delivered meals to those in need.

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 In 1993, after 17 years of preparing meals in the kitchens and offices of other organizations, Meals On Wheels of Tampa moved into its administrative offices and kitchen at 550 W. Hillsborough Ave. The organization now has 13 meal-distribution sites and 55 meal routes active Monday through Friday.

Meals on Wheels of Tampa is committed to its mission of “nourishing and enriching the independent lives of the homebound and seniors,” its Web site says. On some days, the rain-or-shine visits from Meals On Wheels volunteers are the only human interaction some clients have, the organization says.

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Volunteers are needed to deliver meals one day a week or twice a month to homebound people. Most routes take about 90 minutes and are driven between 10am and 1pm; Meals On Wheels identifies a delivery route convenient to your location. Other volunteer opportunities include on-call drivers in case of cancellations or no-shows, organizers at meal-distribution sites, administrative office help, and kitchen staff.

To volunteer for one of the driving positions, you must be at least 18 years old with a dependable means of transportation, a valid driver’s license, and auto insurance.

All potential volunteers must fill out an application, undergo a background screening, participate in mandatory orientation (either by phone, online, or in person), and meet a minimum time commitment for six months. For more information, contact Director of Community Services Nancy Drourr at 813-238-8410.

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