Mobile Meals needs volunteer drivers

Special to the Green Valley News

Mobile Meals of Tucson is hungry for drivers to deliver meals to residents in Green Valley who are homebound and unable to prepare or shop for food.

Mobile Meals has been delivering meals in Tucson for 39 years, and Executive Director Priscilla Altuna saw a similar need in Green Valley and Sahuarita.

In partnership with La Posada, where local meals are prepared, Mobile Meals in January began delivering two meals a day Monday through Friday. Volunteers each deliver to eight homebound residents one day a week. The route takes one and a half to two hours and reimbursement for gas is available.

Volunteer coordinator Jeanne Miller said there is a greater need for drivers in the summer because winter visitors leave.

Drivers must be at least 21, with a valid driver’s license, a Social Security number and auto insurance.

“Volunteers must show a willingness, eagerness and commitment,” Miller said.

Currently, 16 residents are receiving deliveries from Mobile Meals in Green Valley and Sahuarita. About one third receive regular meals; the others receive special-diet meals based on a doctor’s recommendations.

Director Altuna said in addition to delivering meals the volunteer driver acts as a “second pair of eyes” on homebound residents who often do not have a relative close by to check on them.

“Our volunteers enjoy interacting with our clients. Sometimes when we change routes, drivers are disappointed because they’ve gotten attached to clients,” Altuna said.

Once a resident applies or is referred for meals, they are interviewed by a staff member from Mobile Meals. Medicines are checked and the need for special-diet meals is confirmed with a client’s physician.

The cost is $8 a day for delivery of one hot and one cold meal that come in insulated trays. There is a sliding scale for those who need the help.

“Because someone can’t afford it is not a reason not to feed them,” Altoona said.

Residents must be at home to receive delivery. Meals cannot be left at the door.

There are almost enough residents in Green Valley to add a third route.

There is also a need for a volunteer “paperwork liaison” and driver scheduler who work from home.

Some elderly and disabled people are still able to live in their own homes thanks to some caring volunteers who deliver meals five days a week.

“We call all our volunteers angels and heroes,” Miller said.

To inquire about volunteering, applying for or referring someone for meals, call Mobile Meals at 622-1600.

Ellen Sussman is a freelance writer in Green Valley. Contact her at ellen2414@cox.net.