FAQs

Here are some Frequently Asked
Questions about our programs

How long does it take to deliver a route?

Each time you deliver takes about 1.5 hours.

Can I involve my children?

Yes! Our clients love to see kids.

Do I have to be available everyday?

No. You can schedule your time weekly, monthly or on call.

Do I see the same client each time?

The program manager works hard to make sure the routes are consistent for both the client and the volunteer. That way you can develop a relationship with your clients.

Do I need a car?

If you do not have a car, volunteer with a friend or co-worker that does. It is more fun to volunteer with a friend. One person drives and the other navigates the route.

Can I volunteer nights and weekends?

We do not deliver on the weekends or evenings but contact us for other volunteer opportunities.

How can I help if I don’t drive?

You may help by making a financial or an in-kind contribution. We send out gifts along with the meals to our clients. Your group or organization can make bookmarks, cards or refrigerator magnets to be delivered during a holiday.

Why volunteer?

You can make a difference in the lives of your elderly neighbors! Some of your elderly neighbors depend solely on volunteers to deliver their meals at lunchtime. For some elderly, this may be the only meal they have all day. Also, for many of our clients, the volunteer who delivers their meal may be the only person that they interact with all day.

How do I volunteer?

Contact Donna Anderson, Volunteer Coordinator 903-593-7385.

How does Meals on Wheels Work?

Meals on Wheels is a meal service for those in need. Senior Citizens and spouses of current service recipients or disabled individuals may qualify to have five nutritionally balanced lunches delivered to their homes. All meals meet RDA requirements, are diabetic friendly, and are prepared fresh daily. Our paid delivery staff and a group of community volunteers deliver the meals. The daily meal delivery also allows the volunteer to perform a daily safety check on the well-being of the individual. When necessary, an emergency system is in place whereby help is summoned.

How do you qualify to get MOW?

Submit a Request for Services to Meals On Wheels East Texas by phone, email, or our website. Senior citizens that receive meals are generally over age 60, with physical, mental or financial hardships that make it impossible for the individual to either purchase or prepare food. Recipients are referred by friends, relatives, physicians, and social work professionals. Often the senior has no family on whom to rely for this most basic human need. An in home assessment is conducted to determine the individual’s level of need, and services are offered based on the assessment outcome. Contributions are requested based on income and living circumstances, but are not required of any qualifying person. No qualifying individual is ever denied meal service based on the inability to pay.

How can payments and/or donations be made?

Donors and clients can pay their monthly donations/invoices by credit card, check, cash, or ACH through their bank account. You can mail checks and credit card information to 3001 Robertson Road; Tyler, Texas 75701 or make donations online.

Which areas do you serve?

We serve all areas in the counties of Henderson, Van Zandt, Wood, Upshur, Smith and Gregg. Click here for communities served.

Whom do we serve?

We serve Senior citizens that are generally over age 60, with physical, mental or financial hardships that make it impossible for the individual to either purchase or prepare food and disabled citizens under the age of 60. Recipients are referred by friends, relatives, physicians, and social work professionals. Often the senior has no family on whom to rely for this most basic human need.

How do I refer someone for Meals on Wheels?

If you know individuals who would benefit from our services, please call Meals on Wheels Ministry at 903-593-7385.

How does the approval process work?

A member of our assessment staff will conduct a home visit to explain the program, and to complete our assessment questionnaire. Our office will notify approved applicants shortly after the interview to let them know when meal service will begin. Meals are served between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., four days a week, depending on the client’s need and availability of serving sites.

Who prepares the menu?

All menus are prepared by a registered dietitian.

Who cooks the meals?

Our kitchen staff cooks the meals every day starting early in the morning.