Become a Volunteer

Volunteers are integral to MOWWM’s vision of building a community where no senior is hungry or forgotten. We are continually seeking dedicated individuals to join our volunteer team. With flexible scheduling options, we accommodate both those with limited availability and those interested in regular commitments. Whether you have a few hours to spare or wish to volunteer regularly, we offer a variety of meaningful opportunities for individuals and groups to make a positive impact in our community.

Individual Opportunities

Delivery Driver

Delivery drivers transport meals directly to seniors who are homebound in Kent County.

  • Available: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.
  • Time Commitment: 1.5–3 hours
  • Driver Age: 18+
  • Volunteers use their vehicles
  • Passengers of any age are welcome to ride along

Route begins at 2900 Wilson Ave SW Suite 500, Grandville, MI 49418.

Kitchen Crew

Help with the preparation and packaging of meals in our kitchen. With a production of over 2,500 meals per day, this is a great way to make a difference in our community!

  • Available: Fridays from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • Minimum age: Ages 13-16 are welcome with an adult, 17+ can volunteer without adult supervision

This opportunity takes place at our Grandville location, 2900 Wilson Ave SW Suite 500, Grandville, MI 49418.

Pack Table

The pack table is where Home Delivered Meals are prepared for delivery to seniors who are homebound. As a pack table volunteer, you’ll work in an assembly line to pack meals into bags and coolers, preparing them for delivery.

  • Available: Each weekday from 6:50 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
  • Minimum age: Ages 13-16 are welcome with an adult, 17+ can volunteer without adult supervision

This opportunity takes place at our Grandville office, 2900 Wilson Ave SW Suite 500, Grandville MI 49418.

Bag Decorator

Brighten up a senior’s day by decorating our brown bags used for meal delivery. This is a great opportunity for children and student groups, and it can be completed off-site at your convenience.

  • Ages 10 and older are welcome to decorate bags

Volunteers can pick up and drop off bags at our Grandville location, 2900 Wilson Ave SW Suite 500 Grandville, MI 49418.

Senior Pantry

Assist with restocking pantry shelves, packing groceries for clients, and repackaging and sorting food items at our northeast Grand Rapids Senior Pantry.

  • Available:
    Monday: 11 a.m. – 4:3o p.m.
    Wednesday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
    Thursday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Minimum age: Ages 13-16 are welcome with an adult, 17+ can volunteer without adult supervision

This opportunity takes place at our Senior Pantry, 1954 Fuller Ave NE # B, Grand Rapids, MI 49505.

Community Dining Sites

Serve delicious and nutritious meals to seniors with light clean-up following the meal.

  • Available: Time and dates vary by location. Please inquire to discuss dining site locations and times
  • Minimum age: Ages 13-16 are welcome with an adult, 17+ can volunteer without adult supervision

This opportunity takes place across our many Community Dining Site locations. You can view their locations by viewing our Community Dining Sites webpage.

Front Desk

Provide office support by performing various clerical duties such as making copies, filing, performing basic data entry, and making phone calls.

  • Available: Every weekday from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Shifts are flexible
  • Minimum age: 18+ or older

This opportunity takes place at our Grandville office, 2900 Wilson Ave SW Suite 500, Grandville, MI 49418.

Volunteer at an Event

MOWWM hosts exciting events throughout the year, and there’s always an opportunity to get involved! Volunteer to assist with registration, manage tables, distribute water bottles, and more.

  • Minimum age: Ages 13-16 are welcome with an adult, 17+ can volunteer without adult supervision

Explore our Event Calendar to discover upcoming events, or contact us at (616) 459-3111 for information about upcoming opportunities.

Group Opportunities

Delivery Drivers

Delivery drivers transport meals directly to seniors who are homebound in Kent County.

  • Available: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.
  • Time Commitment: 1.5–3 hours
  • Driver Age: 18+
  • Volunteers use their ownvehicles
  • Passengers of any age are welcome to ride along

Route begins at 2900 Wilson Ave SW Suite 500, Grandville, MI 49418.

Senior Pantry

Assist with restocking pantry shelves, packing groceries for clients, and repackaging and sorting food items at our northeast Grand Rapids Senior Pantry.

  • Available:
    Monday: 11 a.m. – 4:3o p.m.
    Wednesday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
    Thursday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Minimum age: Ages 13-16 are welcome with an adult, 17+ can volunteer without adult supervision

This opportunity takes place at our Senior Pantry, 1954 Fuller Ave NE # B, Grand Rapids, MI 49505.

Kitchen Crew

Your group can help with the preparation and packaging of meals in our kitchen. With a production of over 2,500 meals per day, this is a great way to make a difference in our community!

  • Available: Monday – Thursday  9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
  • Ideal group size: 5-10 people
  • Ages 14-16 with an adult, 17+ without adult supervision
  • Minimum age: Ages 13-16 are welcome with an adult, 17+ can volunteer without adult supervision

This opportunity takes place at our Grandville location, 2900 Wilson Ave SW Suite 500, Grandville, MI 49418.

Volunteer at an Event

MOWWM hosts several events every year, which means there’s always something exciting around the corner. You can help by volunteering to work registration, manage tables, hand out water bottles, and more.

  • Minimum age: Ages 13-16 are welcome with an adult, 17+ can volunteer without adult supervision

Explore our Event Calendar to discover upcoming events, or contact us at (616) 459-3111 for information about upcoming opportunities.

Volunteering FAQs

Volunteering FAQs

Are there any specific training or qualifications required to volunteer at Meals on Wheels Western Michigan?

Delivery drivers participate in a ride along and go through orientation before they receive a route to deliver. All volunteers are required to complete a volunteer application and pass a background check prior to volunteering in any role.

Do you take walk-in volunteers or do I need to call ahead?

No, we do not accept walk-in volunteers. Because we require all volunteers to complete an application and pass a background check, we ask that you call ahead if you wish to volunteer on short notice.

I scheduled a volunteer shift, but I can’t make it now. What should I do?

You can manually cancel your volunteering session by using our MOWWM Scheduler. Click here to access the MOWWM Volunteer Scheduler. You can also email our volunteer department at volunteer@mowwm.org.

Do Delivery Drivers get reimbursed for gas? How does that process work?

Delivery drivers over the age of 55 have an opportunity to be reimbursed for gas through our partnership with Senior Neighbors Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). 

For a full list of requirements and additional information, contact Senior Neighbors at AmericorpsSeniors@seniorneighbors.org. or (616) 459-6019.

What types of groups can volunteer?

Our volunteer groups have included everything from companies to classes, small groups, and more. All group participants must be at least 13 years of age.

Do we need to wear anything special when we volunteer?

For your safety please wear shirts with sleeves, long pants and closed-toe shoes.

I’m a teacher or student who would like my class to volunteer with MOWWM. What should I do?

Please fill out our group volunteer application by clicking here. If you have questions, reach out to our volunteer department at volunteer@mowwm.org or (616) 459-3111.

How far in advance should we reserve our volunteer time?

Please plan to reserve your volunteer time at least 2-3 weeks in advance.

My group reserved a date/time to volunteer, but now we can’t make it. What should we do?

Please email your volunteer department contact and let them know. If you can’t find their information, you can also reach our volunteer department at volunteer@mowwm.org or call (616) 459-3111.

Can my group post about our volunteer experience on social media?

Yes! We love when volunteer groups post about their experience. Please tag us so we can see your post! You can find our Facebook page here, our Instagram account here and our LinkedIn page here.

Other Ways to Give

Even if you can’t volunteer, there are still plenty of ways that you can support the MOWWM mission. Click the button to learn more.