With growing requests for meals to be delivered to homebound   neighbors who cannot shop or cook for themselves, Community Cooperative has an immediate need for volunteer drivers throughout Lee County to deliver Meals on Wheels.

“Since the pandemic, the Meals on Wheels program has grown about 20%,” said Tracey Galloway, chief executive officer, Community Cooperative. “These home-delivered meals and related services ensure that our neighbors in need are kept safe, comfortable, and living in their own homes. We need volunteers to keep our programs running. For example, most of our Meals on Wheels delivery volunteers are over the age of 70. This is a terrific opportunity for college students who are at home.”

The Meals on Wheels program has 32 delivery routes in North Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, and Bonita Springs, supplying daily, nutritious home-delivered meals and friendly safety and security checks to eligible homebound neighbors who cannot shop or cook for themselves. These neighbors include seniors, disabled, or chronically ill adults. The services provided help ensure the continued health and well-being of hundreds of elderly and homebound citizens in our community.

Meals on Wheels volunteer Grace Martin, 84, started delivering meals once a week to up to 18 homebound seniors when she retired to Southwest Florida. “I call them ‘my people,’” she said. “I like to be there for someone. They are interesting people, and it’s rewarding to give.”

Volunteers will be scheduled at their convenience and are needed Mondays through Fridays between 9 a.m. and noon. Background checks are conducted and volunteers who drive must have current driver’s license and vehicle insurance information.

Meals on Wheels volunteers are among more than 3,000 volunteers who help Community Cooperative ease hunger and offer hope to people in need.

“We are so grateful for every volunteer who gives their time to Community Cooperative,” said Rachell Mays, volunteer services coordinator. “We need each and every one of them to accomplish the vital work we do.”

For information on how to get help, how to donate, or to learn about volunteer requirements and opportunities and fill out a volunteer application, visit communitycooperative.com.

For information on volunteering for Meals on Wheels, call 239-337-1055.