Programs & Services: Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels
Making a difference one meal at a time
Ann Arbor's Meals on Wheels program reduces hunger and food insecurity, and supports the dignity and independence of the homebound in the Ann Arbor area who are unable to shop and cook for themselves by delivering nutritiously balanced meals six days a week.
Meals are delivered by volunteers. This visit also serves as a safety or wellness check, with volunteers reporting back any concerns they have to Meals on Wheels staff. For many of our clients, a volunteer is the only person they see all day.
Diabetic, Kosher and liquid meals are available. Meals are prepared by the UMHS Patient Food and Nutrition Services.
2007 - 2008 Annual Report (PDF)
Basket Brigade Newsletter, Fall 2008 (PDF)
Upcoming Events
1st Annual Golf Outing
Monday, July 13, 2009
Reddeman Farms
Contact Us
Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels
2025 Traverwood Drive Suite F
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105-2197
Phone: 734-998-6686
Fax: 734-998-6277
E-mail: aamealsonwheels@umich.edu
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Volunteering
Volunteer to make a difference! Volunteers deliver 10-13 meals, taking 1-2 hours to complete a route. Meals are picked up at 11:30 weekdays and 10:30 on Saturdays (9:30 on holidays and Saturdays August - December). Volunteers can choose the day and frequency for delivering meals that works with their schedule.
For many of our clients, a Meals on Wheels volunteer is the only person they see all day.
Qualifications
- Volunteers under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult driver. Driver's ed students, please contact the office. Kids are welcome!
- Provide own vehicle
- Agree to a criminal background check
- Sign a confidentiality agreement/statement
- Be available to deliver six times over the course of a year
A completed Volunteer Application and a copy of a valid driver's license must be on file with Meals on Wheels before a volunteer can start to deliver meals. We also can mail a paper copy of the application to the volunteer. To request a copy, call the Meals on Wheels office at 734-998-6686. Applications can be returned by mail, in person, or via e-mail.
Volunteer appreciation raffle
With the rising gas prices this summer, we wanted to recognize the expense our volunteers have in delivering meals. Thank you, donors!
- Big Boy (Plymouth Rd.)
- Bello Vino
- Brewer's
- Busch's (Green Rd.)
- Great Harvest
- Plum Market
- Trader Joe's
- Zingerman's
- Metzger's
Make a Referral
To make a referral, call the Meals on Wheels office at 734-998-6686. Potential clients are encouraged to make a referral prior to scheduled hospitalizations if meals may be needed during the recovery process.
Who we serve
Meals on Wheels clients are primarily older adults or individuals with disabilities who are homebound or who cannot prepare complete, nutritious meals for themselves. Clients are served regardless of age or financial status. The suggested donation amount is $5 a day. Clients who are unable to pay the full amount of the suggested donation will not be denied services.
"I would go hungry if it were not for you folks. I am so thankful!!"
F. S.
Eligibility
- Need Meals on Wheels for a minimum of three (3) weeks. At the discretion of the Director, meals may be delivered for a shorter period of time.
- Potential clients are encouraged to make a referral prior to scheduled hospitalizations if meals may be needed during the recovery process.
- Need to be homebound (generally unable to leave home because of health status). Exceptions include medical appointments and occasional outings.
- Not able to obtain food or prepare complete, nutritious meals because of health. Have a spouse, child, caregiver, or another person who is unable/unwilling to provide meals.
- Not able to participate in congregate (e.g. senior center or other group) nutrition programs because of health.
- Agree to receive an initial assessment prior to receiving meals (except in emergency situations or for Medicaid Waiver clients) and have a reassessment every 6 months.
- Dietary needs can be appropriately met by Meals on Wheels program – meals available would not jeopardize the health of a client.
- Must be able to feed self.
- A spouse or unpaid caregiver may also be eligible to receive meals if Meals on Wheels determines receipt of a meal is in the best interest of the client.
- Agree to be home when meals are delivered and follow meal cancellation guidelines.
Make a Gift
Your financial gift is a commitment to reducing hunger and food insecurity among the homebound in the Ann Arbor area who are unable to shop and cook for themselves.
There are a number of ways to make a financial donation to Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels - direct gifts, bequests, annuities, stocks, trusts and more. You can make a donation in your name, your family's name or in honor or memory of someone you know, love and respect.
Please contact the Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels office to learn more about these gift giving options at 734-998-6686 or e-mail us at aamealsonwheels@umich.edu.
For additional information about giving options, including a planning toolkit, check out the Guide to Giving.
With a solid foundation from the UMHS, grants from local civic groups and municipalities, Title III of the Older Americans Act and state and tobacco settlement from the Area Agency on Aging I-B, we are able to ensure ongoing services.
Meals on Wheels is a non-profit community service program of the University of Michigan Health System. Meals on Wheels is in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and with Section 504 of the Social Rehabilitation Acts, and is an equal opportunity employer.
