Meals on Wheels Polk

Service Area

Lakeland, FL · Auburndale, FL · Winter Haven, FL · Haines City, FL · Bartow, FL · Lake Alfred, FL

About Us

Our Mission at Meals on Wheels of Polk County shall be to provide hot, nutritionally balanced meals and a daily contact to the homebound residents of the Polk County area. Our program provides a means of independence for many of our senior citizens – in some cases, it is a means of survival. MEALS ON WHEELS, INC., is a non-profit organization, actively supported by churches, civic organizations, businesses, and hundreds of active volunteers and residents throughout the Polk County Area. Thank you to The Rays Community Fund Grant Program who provided $5,000 assistance to enhance and support Meals on Wheels of Polk County as we continue to deliver meals to the homebound. Donations are very much appreciated on our website, by mail or phone.

OUR HISTORY
In 1972, Reverend James W. Kendell, pastor of the First Christian Church, along with a group of local church members, civic organizations, and many local individuals invested their time and resources into creating the Meals On Wheels of Winter Haven program. The program was later relocated to our present location at 620 6th Street NW. MOW is a non-profit corporation, chartered by the State of Florida.

Volunteer with us!

You have the freedom to choose the days and hours that work best for you. Even dedicating as little as one day a month can make a significant impact, and your support is greatly appreciated. Check out the available positions and sign up to start making a difference in your community. Your time and effort can bring joy and support to those in need, and you will feel a sense of fulfillment knowing you made a positive impact.

• Delivery Drivers

  Delivering a meal is just the beginning of what we offer at Meals on Wheels Polk. Our beneficiaries also receive companionship, conversation, and a friendly smile from our volunteers. That's why we are not just looking for people to help with meal delivery, but also for individuals with smiling faces who can bring joy and comfort to those in need. Volunteering with us is an opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of the elderly and less fortunate in our community, and your presence and personality can bring happiness and hope to those who need it most. Sign up today and join us in delivering more than just a meal.

  We are seeking both Permanent Route Drivers and Substitute Drivers to join our team. Permanent Route Drivers are assigned a specific route and are expected to deliver meals on the days they have scheduled to volunteer. On the other hand, Substitute Drivers are on-call and can choose the days they are available to volunteer. By offering both options, we hope to accommodate a variety of schedules and allow individuals to volunteer in a way that works best for them. Whether you are looking for a consistent volunteer opportunity or prefer to be on-call, we have a role for you. Join us in delivering meals, conversation, and a friendly smile to those in need in our community.

  As a Delivery Volunteer, you will use your own vehicle to deliver meals to those in need in our community. This role only takes a few hours out of your day, but it means a lot to our beneficiaries.

• Kitchen prep

  We are also looking for Kitchen Prep Volunteers to join our team. As a Kitchen Prep Volunteer, you will have the flexibility to choose the days that work best for your schedule. Our kitchen operates from 6:30am to 10:30am, providing ample opportunities for you to get involved and make a difference. Whether you are looking to volunteer regularly or just a few times a month, your support is greatly appreciated. As a Kitchen Prep Volunteer, you will play a crucial role in preparing and packaging meals for those in need. Your efforts will help ensure that our beneficiaries receive a nutritious and delicious meal, and your smile and positive energy will brighten their day.

  If you are not confident in the kitchen, don't worry! We have other volunteer opportunities available for you to contribute. Our kitchen prepares over 500 meals every day, and this requires a large number of coolers to be used for delivery to each route. Keeping our coolers and facility clean is a crucial aspect of our operations and a great way to get involved as a volunteer. Even if you don't have experience in cooking, you can still make a positive impact by helping us maintain a clean and organized environment. Your efforts will ensure that our meals are delivered in a safe and hygienic manner, and your support is greatly appreciated. Join us and make a difference in your community.

• Thrift Store

  If you are looking for other volunteer opportunities, our thrift store located in downtown Winter Haven is a great place to start. We collect donations throughout the week and need help with organizing and stocking the shelves. All the sales from the store go towards reducing the cost of our meals, making your volunteer efforts a direct way to help those in need. By volunteering at our thrift store, you will play a crucial role in keeping our operation running smoothly and providing affordable meals to those who depend on us. Your skills and positive energy will be greatly appreciated, and you will have the satisfaction of knowing that your contributions are making a real impact. Join us today and make a difference in your community!