Volunteer
Join Meals on Wheels of Solano County as a dedicated volunteer and be the heartbeat of compassion, care, and support for those in need.
Find Your Place at Meals on Wheels
There’s more than one way to make a difference at Meals on Wheels Solano County.
Our volunteers bring their time, talents, and compassion to many different parts of our mission: from delivering meals and connecting with older adults to supporting our programs, office, and community events. Whether you’re looking for a regular weekly commitment or opportunities to lend a hand when your schedule allows, there may be a role that’s right for you.
Explore our volunteer opportunities below to learn more about each role, what to expect, and how you can get involved.
Current Volunteer Opportunities
We offer a range of volunteer roles to accommodate various skills, interests, and time commitments. Here are some of the volunteer roles you can consider:
Community impact:
Meal Delivery volunteers make a meaningful difference for homebound older adults by delivering nutritious meals and providing friendly wellness checks.
What you can expect:
Using their own vehicle and gas, volunteers pick up and organize prepared meals, follow an assigned route, deliver meals, and check in with clients, providing vital social interaction to isolated older adults. This rewarding opportunity helps older adults remain independent, reduces isolation, and strengthens community connection.
When this opportunity occurs:
Meal deliveries occur on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, between 10 AM and 1 PM. Volunteer shifts begin no later than 9:30 AM and most routes take 2–2.5 hours.
Volunteers must be 18 years or older, have a valid driver's license, clean driving record, required auto insurance, a GPS/text-enabled phone, and be able to lift up to 50 pounds and work outdoors. Reliability, compassion, and long-term commitment are especially valued.
Volunteers may commit to a regular weekly schedule or opt in for available routes as their schedule allows.
Insurance Requirements:
Delivery drivers are required to carry insurance that meets our minimum limits and submit and maintain updated proof of auto insurance.
The minimum required limits are:
- $50,000 per person bodily injury
- $100,000 total bodily injury
- $5,000 property damage
Delivery volunteers are also required to submit monthly mileage reports.
Community impact:
Food Bank Drivers help keep supplemental food flowing to Meals on Wheels Solano County by safely transporting food from the Food Bank in Fairfield and preparing it for use.
What you can expect:
Volunteers pick up food, transport it to the Meals on Wheels Solano County office, unload and organize deliveries, and stock food in the appropriate storage areas.
Volunteers must be 18 or older, have a valid driver's license, clean driving record, current auto insurance, and experience driving and maneuvering a large or oversized van, such as a Sprinter van.
When this opportunity occurs:
Shifts are weekly on Tuesdays, from 8:30–10:30 AM. Because this role supports a consistent food supply, a commitment of one year or more is especially valued.
Physical Requirements:
This is a physically active role involving standing, walking, bending, twisting, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling, including handling heavy items 50+ pounds.
Insurance Requirements:
Delivery drivers are required to carry insurance that meets our minimum limits and submit and maintain updated proof of auto insurance.
The minimum required limits are:
- $50,000 per person bodily injury
- $100,000 total bodily injury
- $5,000 property damage
Additional information:
This opportunity is not currently available for volunteer groups, court-ordered service hours, or volunteers under 18.
Community impact:
Cold Pack volunteers help ensure homebound older adults receive nutritious meals by carefully packing, organizing, and preparing meals for delivery.
What you can expect:
Cold Pack volunteers prepare premade meal bags for delivery. Volunteers must be able to accurately count out and fill route-specific coolers with the correct number of bags and meals, checking their work, and keeping the packing area organized. Volunteers must be able to follow instructions, work accurately as part of a team, and safely perform physical tasks.
When this opportunity occurs:
Cold Pack packing takes place weekly on Tuesday and Thursday mornings beginning at 9 AM. Shifts are approximately 2.5 hours, depending on the day's workload, and volunteers should be prepared to stay until the work is complete. Volunteers under 18 may participate with parent or guardian permission.
Physical requirements:
This is a highly physical activity. Volunteers should be able to stand for extended periods and repeatedly lift, carry, bend, twist, and move meal bags and coolers weighing up to 50 pounds.
Community impact:
Cooler Cleaning volunteers help keep meal delivery equipment clean, safe, and ready for use, supporting the reliable delivery of nutritious meals to homebound older adults.
What you can expect:
Volunteers clean and sanitize meal delivery coolers, organize equipment, and help maintain a clean and orderly work area. This is a hands-on role that helps ensure coolers are ready for the next delivery cycle.
When this opportunity occurs:
Cooler Cleaning shifts are available Wednesdays and Fridays, from 1–3 PM.
Physical Requirements:
This is a physically active role involving standing, bending, lifting, carrying, and repetitive cleaning tasks. Volunteers should be comfortable working on their feet and handling coolers and cleaning supplies.
Requirements:
Volunteers should be dependable, detail-oriented, and able to follow cleaning and safety instructions. This opportunity accepts volunteers seeking to fulfill court-ordered community service hours.
Have Questions?
You may find the answer you’re looking for in our FAQs below. If your question isn’t answered here, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 707-425-0638 ext. 3. We’re happy to help!
Do you currently need volunteers?
Yes! Volunteers are essential to our mission. From picking up food at the food bank, to packing meals, to day-of meal delivery, volunteers help ensure that older adults remain safe, healthy, and independent in their own homes. Whether you can volunteer weekly, monthly, or occasionally, we'd love to have you join our team.
What are the requirements to become a volunteer?
Volunteer requirements vary depending on the role and age of the volunteers.
Youth volunteers (under 18 years old) may not drive delivery routes but can assist with carrying meals, greeting clients, meal packing, and office or event tasks. Volunteers under 18 must complete an application and have a parent or guardian sign off on their participation and accompany them during their volunteer service.
Volunteers who are over 18 years old must:
- Complete a volunteer application
- Pass a background screening
- Complete required training and orientation
- Have a valid driver's license
- Have current auto insurance and a reliable vehicle, if applying for an opportunity that includes driving
- Be able to meet the physical requirements applicable to the desired volunteer opportunity
Can my spouse, family member, or friend volunteer with me?
Absolutely! Many volunteers enjoy volunteering together. Each adult volunteer will need to complete the volunteer application, required background screening, and training before participating. Some opportunities may have limits on the number of volunteers who can participate at one time.
How much time do I need to commit?
We appreciate any amount of time you can give. Many volunteers choose to deliver once a week, while others choose a once- or twice-a-month schedule. Others serve in a backup capacity, picking shifts that work with their schedule. Some opportunities require a more consistent commitment, so please review the specific opportunity for details.
Can I volunteer over the weekend?
Fundraising and event-related opportunities may occasionally occur on Saturday or Sunday, but those opportunities are infrequent. All other opportunities are scheduled Tuesday through Friday. Please review the specific opportunity for more details.
Is training provided?
Yes. All new volunteers receive orientation and training before beginning their first assignment. Training varies by opportunity and may cover delivery procedures, client interaction, food safety, confidentiality, documentation, and emergency reporting procedures.
Are there volunteer opportunities besides delivering meals, picking up food from the food bank or packing meals?
Yes! Depending on current program needs, volunteers may also assist with:
- Office and administrative support
- Check in calls to clients
- Special events and fundraising
- Community outreach
- Group and corporate volunteer projects
Can groups or businesses volunteer together?
Yes. We welcome volunteer groups from local businesses, civic organizations, schools, faith communities, and service clubs. Group volunteer opportunities can often be customized based on your organization's size, availability, and the needs of the specific opportunity.
Do you accept court-ordered community service volunteers?
We accept court-ordered community service volunteers for select, short-term, non-client facing opportunities such as cooler cleaning. Eligibility depends on the specific volunteer opportunity, availability of the volunteer, and current program requirements.
I've already been background checked by another organization. Can you use that background check?
Unfortunately, no. All prospective volunteers must go through our background check process.
How do I get started?
Getting started is easy! Simply complete the form below and we will contact you to discuss your interest and availability.
Corporate Volunteer Incentives
Thousands of companies offer volunteer grant programs where they donate to our organization after you volunteer your time.
Plus, many companies offer Paid Volunteer Time Off (VTO) so you can spend the day volunteering with us!
Ready to Make a Difference?
Are you ready to make a real difference in our community? Volunteering with us is a meaningful way to give your time, connect with others, and help support local seniors and individuals who depend on our programs and services.
Kindly submit your interest below, and a member of our team will get back to you within 48–72 hours to help you find the right way to get involved.
