Programs & Services: Motor Meals of Ann Arbor
Motor Meals: Making a difference one meal at a time
"I would go hungry if it were not for you folks. I am so thankful!!"
F.S.
Motor Meals's purpose is to reduce hunger and food insecurity, and support the dignity and independence of those we serve. We do this by delivering nutritiously balanced meals to the homebound in the Ann Arbor area who are unable to shop and cook for themselves. Meals are delivered by volunteers six days a week. Motor Meals is a non-profit community service program of the University of Michigan Health System.
The meals provided by Motor Meals contribute to the independence and well-being of the homebound population. For many of our clients, these meals are the primary factor that enables them to remain in their own home. Clients are served regardless of age or financial status.
Motor Meals provides two nutritiously balanced meals (a hot entree and a cold box supper) Monday through Saturday and an additional cold meal on Saturday to be used for a Sunday meal. A liquid nutritional supplement is available for those at nutritional risk. The food is prepared by U-M Health System's Patient Food and Nutrition Services.
Meal Type Options:
- Regular
- Diabetic (dessert option only)
- Kosher
- Liquid (Carnation Nutritional Drink only)
2006 - 2007 Annual Report (PDF)
Basket Brigade Newsletter, Summer 2008 (PDF)
Upcoming Events
Volunteer Appreciation Summer Raffle
With the rising gas prices, we want to recognize the expense our volunteers have in delivering meals. We'll be holding weekly drawings for gas cards and food-related gift cards and items from area businesses.
Thank you, donors!
- Big Boy (Plymouth Rd.)
- Bello Vino
- Brewer's
- Busch's (Green Rd.)
- Great Harvest
- Plum Market
- Trader Joe's
- Zingerman's
Celebrity Night
Plymouth Rd. Big Boy
Saturday, November 1st
Contact Us
Motor Meals of Ann Arbor
2025 Traverwood Drive Suite F
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105-2197
Phone: 734-998-6686
Fax: 734-998-6277
E-mail: aamotormeals@umich.edu
Volunteering
Want to make a difference? Volunteers are needed Monday through Saturday to deliver meals to the homebound living in the Ann Arbor area.
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 Motor Meals volunteer is the only person they see all day.
Qualifications
- Volunteers under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult driver. 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 Motor Meals 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 Motor Meals office at 734-998-6686. Applications can be returned by mail, in person, or via e-mail.
Make a Referral
To make a referral, call the Motor Meals 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
Motor Meals 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.
Eligibility
- Need Motor Meals 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 Motor Meals 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 Motor Meals 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
Monetary Gifts
- Gift of cash
- Memorial gift (memorial envelopes are available at area funeral homes and the Motor Meals office)
- Grants
- Designations (including United Way designations)
Please contact the Motor Meals office to learn more about these gift giving options at 734-998-6686 or e-mail us at aamotormeals@umich.edu.
You can also support Motor Meals through a variety of planned giving options, including gift annuities, endowments and gifts by will.
Visit Giving to the University of Michigan to learn more about these gift-giving options. To speak with a gift officer, please contact the University of Michigan Office of Development at 734-647-6000.
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.
Motor Meals 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.
