Rutland County Meals on Wheels in need of volunteer delivery drivers

RUTLAND, Vt. – Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging (SVCOA), administrators of the Rutland County Meals on Wheels program, today issued an urgent call for volunteer support to assist with Meals on Wheels deliveries to homebound older Vermonters throughout the area.

“We’ve seen a drastic decline in the number of volunteer deliver drivers as the COVID-19 issue has progressed, coupled with a significant rise in demand for meals,” said Courtney Anderson, Nutrition Director with SVCOA. “As a result, we’ve had to alter delivery schedules and maximize staffing resources as best as possible. We are in great need of new drivers and hope that anyone who is interested or able will join the effort.”

Anyone who is interested in volunteering as a Meals on Wheels delivery driver should contact Penny Jones at 802-775-0133 as soon as possible.

SVCOA and Rutland County Meals on Wheels have implemented a number of thorough and stringent precautionary protocols for delivery drivers as directed by the Vermont Department of Health (VDH) and Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL).

“We want to make it very clear to folks that there are significant protective measures in place that remove all in-person contact and that ensure the health and safety of delivery drivers, as well as meal recipients,” said Anderson. “This is a critical service for so many homebound individuals in our region, and we ask for your help.”

Media Contact: Courtney Anderson, 802-772-7828