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 (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
Holiday wish list (285 clients)
- Flashlights with batteries
- Large print puzzle books and pens/pencils
- Large puzzles (500 piece or smaller)
- Men’s and women’s warm socks
- Mugs (ceramic and travel)
- Small notepads
- Wall calendars
We also need medium-size gift bags and solid-color tissue paper. Donations can be dropped off at our office now through Friday, December 19.
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
Office Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (September - December and Holidays, 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 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 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. 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 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.
Volunteer appreciation raffle
With the rising gas prices this summer, 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
- Metzger's
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
There are a number of ways to make a financial donation to Motor Meals - 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 Motor Meals office to learn more about these gift giving options at 734-998-6686 or e-mail us at aamotormeals@umich.edu.
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 donation options that offer tax deductions. 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 a non-profit community service program of the University of Michigan Health System. 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.
