Purpose: Orientation gets us all on the same page (pun intended). It’s your opportunity to learn how Meals on Wheels of Lancaster works, what’s expected, and how you fit into the bigger picture of delivering meals and connecting with our clients.

Responsibilities: At orientation, we’ll walk you through the basics and collect what’s needed to get started: Complete a state background check (required for all volunteers—including friends or family members who join you on deliveries). For drivers: bring your valid license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Learn the logistics of your volunteer role (whether in the kitchen, office, or on the road).

Time Commitment: Every Wednesday from 12:00 PM–2:00 PM. Drop in any time during that window. We’ll handle the paperwork, answer questions, and get you ready to dive in.

Location: Meals on Wheels of Lancaster 1411 Columbia Avenue Lancaster, PA 17603

Purpose: We believe in serving meals that are not just filling, but fresh, nutritious, and delicious. Preparing hundreds of meals each day is no small feat—and it takes more than our dedicated staff. It takes the generous time and energy of volunteers like you. Every shift in the kitchen directly fuels our mission to nourish and care for our community.

Responsibilities: Many hands make light work! Every day, our kitchen prepares meals for an average of 450 clients. To make that possible, we rely on 15 or more volunteers each day. Depending on your interest, time, and skill, you may: Prep fresh ingredients (like chopping vegetables). Package side dishes and desserts. Assemble meal bags for delivery. Assist with cleanup (always part of kitchen teamwork!). Physical requirements: Ability to stand for at least one hour, bend/rotate at the waist or hips, and lift light to moderate weights. Prior kitchen experience is helpful but not required. Please wear long loose-fitting pants and closed-toed shoes.

Time Commitment: “Early Bird” Shift – Monday–Friday, 6:00 AM–8:00 AM Pack cold bag contents and hot meals for recipients. Work with simple recipes or kitchen equipment. Ideal for 1–2 individuals. “Packing Team” Shift – Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–11:00 AM Great for individuals or small groups. This shift is team-oriented, fun, and our busiest time of the day. Package meals in an assembly-line style with 7–8 other volunteers. Assist with distribution which may involve being outside. “Prep Team” Shift – Monday–Friday, 12:00 PM–2:00 PM Build small recipes and work with kitchen equipment. Perfect for small groups or individuals who enjoy hands-on prep.

Location: 1411 Columbia Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603

Purpose: To deliver freshly prepared home-delivered meals and a friendly visit to clients in need throughout Lancaster County. Drivers don’t just deliver food—they deliver kindness, connection, and peace of mind.

Responsibilities: “Do you deliver?” Yes, we do! Across Lancaster County, we deliver over 40 routes each day. Some volunteers drive solo, while others may bring along a spouse, or friend—our “visitors.” This means that we may rely on +80 people to deliver to over 450 clients each day. Incredible, right? Your responsibilities as a driver entail: Pick up meals at your assigned hub (locations and times below). Deliver meals along your designated route. Offer a friendly hello and quick wellness check for each client. Communicate with our office about the status of your deliveries. Requirements Use of your personal vehicle for deliveries. Provide a valid driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance for your vehicle. Complete a state background check (required for all volunteers).

Time Commitment: Permanent Drivers: Commit to a route weekly, biweekly, or monthly—please ask about current openings. Substitute Drivers: Step in when a permanent driver is unavailable. Substitutes are always in demand! Delivery Times: Lancaster Main Office: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Branch Locations (New Holland, Paradise, Christiana/Atglen): 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Location:
Lancaster: Our main location at 1411 Columbia Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603.

Paradise is a pickup hub location housed at The Factory Ministries.

New Holland is a pickup hub location housed at Trinity Lutheran in New Holland.

Christiana/Atglen is a pickup hub location at Bellevue Presbyterian Church.

Purpose: Behind every meal delivered is an incredible amount of coordination, communication, and care. Our office staff is small, but our mission is big. Admin volunteers expand our capacity to keep things organized, connected, and effective—so our drivers, kitchen teams, and clients all get the support they need. Whether it’s helping mail out invoices, coordinating our in-house Library, or representing Meals on Wheels in the community, your role ensures our work stays strong and sustainable.

Responsibilities: Available tasks may vary but some examples may include: Mailings: Help prepare and send invoices (usually once a month). Library Management: Assist with organization, cataloging, and coordination of our Library. Community Outreach: Represent Meals on Wheels at events and expos (tabling, sharing information, answering questions). Reception & Support: Answer phone calls with warmth and professionalism. Data Entry: Enter and update records to help us stay accurate and organized. No two days look exactly the same—there’s always a new way to make an impact. Requirements A friendly, welcoming manner—especially for phones and public events. Flexibility to shift between projects as needs arise. Willingness to work in the office or occasionally off-site at community events with other volunteers.

Time Commitment: Time commitment will vary based on available task(s) but the majority of which will take place at our office: 1411 Columbia Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603

Location: Location will vary based on available task(s).

Purpose: Meals on Wheels of Lancaster and Central PA Food Bank have developed a new partnership initiative. On a monthly basis, non-perishable boxes of food are provided to low-income seniors by utilizing a home-delivered model. We are seeking volunteers to assist us in delivering these boxes to seniors each month. The boxes contain goods such as canned goods, shelf-stable milk, juice, cereal and other nutritious foods. Generally speaking, these boxes weigh about 20-30 pounds each.

Responsibilities: Delivery boxes of non-perishable goods to seniors on a monthly basis (or as needed). Boxes are heavy. There may be multiple boxes on each route which may take up space in a personal vehicle.

Time Commitment: 1-2 hours

Location: Pick-up location will be at Meals on Wheels of Lancaster's facility: 1411 Columbia Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603