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Meals on Wheels™ Volunteer Work

Join Volunteers Delivering Meals

Meals on Wheels™ volunteer work supports people across Queensland by helping deliver nutritious meals that promote health, while also providing a friendly check-in during deliveries. This act of generosity helps many clients feel supported, as they value the regular routine and the reassurance that comes with seeing a familiar face.

Volunteering is practical, people-focused work that offers meaningful benefits for both volunteers and the community. You join a local team, contribute to community health, and can choose a role and roster pattern that suits your availability. Most volunteer shifts take place on weekday mornings, with meals delivered by lunchtime.

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Meals on Wheels™ volunteer work roles available

Volunteer tasks can vary by location, but common roles include meal delivery support, kitchen help, administration support, fundraising activities, and committee roles.

Delivery driver

If you choose to be a delivery driver, you will usually use your personal vehicle to deliver meals. You will be given a run list and local guidance on safe handling and delivery routines.

This role suits people who:

  • Are comfortable driving locally
  • Prefer a practical, independent task within a team routine
  • Enjoy brief social contact with clients
  • Like having a predictable shift window, usually a weekday morning

Delivery aid

A delivery aid sits in the passenger seat and helps the driver with navigation, carrying meals, and greeting clients at each stop. This is a good option if you prefer not to drive or if you would like to learn the delivery routine alongside an experienced volunteer.

This role suits people who:

  • Enjoy work alongside someone else
  • Want a people-focused role with movement and conversation

Kitchen support

Kitchen tasks vary by local service and can include preparation support, packing, labelling, and cleaning as part of the local food safety routine. You will be shown the process on your first shift.

This role suits people who:

  • Enjoy working as part of a small team
  • Prefer a structured routine inside a service location
  • Like practical tasks such as packing, organising, and cleaning

Administration and customer support

Some services need help with basic admin tasks such as phones, paperwork, printing menus, and roster support. These roles can suit people who prefer a less physical way to help.

This role suits people who:

  • Enjoy organising and detail-focused tasks
  • Prefer a role that is less physical
  • Like supporting a team behind the scenes

Fundraising and events

Some volunteer opportunities may involve helping with community events or fundraising activities that support local services.

This role suits people who:

  • Enjoy community events and talking with the public
  • Want a once-off or occasional volunteering option
  • Prefer variety and a change of pace

Committee and governance roles

Many local services have committee roles. If you have experience in areas such as finance, governance, people and culture, or community leadership, your skills can be valuable.

Corporate volunteering

Workplace teams can volunteer. This can suit organisations looking for a practical, community-focused team activity, either as a one-off experience or an ongoing arrangement.

What a shift can look like for Meals on Wheels™ volunteers

Meal delivery shifts

A delivery shift usually includes collecting meals from the service location, completing the delivery run, and returning any containers or equipment according to local procedures. You will also follow local steps if a client does not answer the door as expected.

Kitchen shifts

Kitchen roles are usually based at the service location during morning operating hours. Duties vary by service, and your local team will show you the routine, hygiene practices, and safety steps.

Training, screening, and safety

You do not need prior experience to volunteer. Training and support are provided so you can feel confident in your role.

Worker screening

A Blue Card is not required to volunteer, but a form of worker screening is required before your first shift. This may be a Police Check or NDIS Worker Screening, and the organisation can arrange it with you.

Age guidance

Children under 15 are not permitted to volunteer in the kitchen. They may assist with meal delivery if accompanied by a parent or guardian who takes full responsibility for their safety.

Insurance

Meals on Wheels Queensland provides personal accident cover for volunteers while carrying out volunteer work on behalf of the organisation. Your local service can explain what this cover includes and how it applies to different roles.

Accessibility considerations

Many locations are accessible, but client homes vary. If you have accessibility requirements, the team can discuss suitable options and roles with you.

Benefits of Volunteering

Every day, a friendly smile, a chat, and a nutritious meal can make a difference in the lives of so many Australians. It’s not just the clients who appreciate the visit; volunteers also gain a sense of connection and fulfilment from these meaningful interactions.

Make a Meaningful Impact

Every delivery makes a difference. You’ll be part of something bigger, improving lives in your local community.

Create Lasting Connections

Volunteering fosters genuine relationships with clients and fellow volunteers, building a supportive network.

Enhance Your Wellbeing

Volunteering fosters mental wellbeing, helping you feel more fulfilled and connected while providing a sense of purpose.

Boost Your Health and Energy

Volunteering can improve your physical and mental wellbeing, leaving you feeling energised, connected, and fulfilled.

What you can gain from volunteering

Volunteering with Meals on Wheels can offer:

  • Regular social connection with customers and other volunteers
  • A steady routine and a clear purpose for your week
  • Practical experience that can support study, work-readiness, or community goals
  • A positive group activity for friends, families, and workplaces

General Volunteering FAQs

Is there a minimum age for volunteering?

Children under 15 cannot volunteer in the kitchen. They may assist with meal delivery if accompanied by a parent or guardian who takes responsibility for their safety.

Do I need a Blue Card or Police Check?

A Blue Card is not required. A worker screening is required before your first shift, and this may be a Police Check or NDIS Worker Screening.

Do I need any prior experience?

No. Training and support are provided to help you feel ready for the role you choose.

How much time do I need to volunteer?

A meal delivery run is usually completed within about two hours. Kitchen shifts vary by location and duties. You can volunteer daily, weekly, fortnightly, monthly, or on-call, depending on your availability and local needs.

Can I volunteer on weekends or evenings?

Most roles occur on weekday mornings. Some services may have opportunities outside these hours, and there may be fundraising events during the year where help is welcome.

Can I choose where I volunteer?

Yes. You can choose a local service location and share your preference during registration or by contacting the team.

Will I be insured while volunteering?

Meals on Wheels™ Queensland provides personal accident cover for volunteers while carrying out volunteer work on behalf of the organisation. Your local service can explain what this cover includes.

Can I volunteer with a friend or family member?

Yes. Tell the team what you prefer and they will try to place you together where possible.

Do I use my own vehicle to deliver meals?

If you volunteer as a delivery driver, you will usually use your personal vehicle. If you prefer not to, ask about delivery aid roles or kitchen roles.

I have accessibility requirements. Can I still volunteer?

Many locations are accessible, but client homes vary. Meals on Wheels Queensland can talk with you about suitable roles and any adjustments that may help.

Every Volunteer Makes a Real Difference

Be part of our team of caring individuals delivering more than just meals, bringing smiles, connection, and independence to your community.

Sign Up

Create your volunteer profile and select your preferred role, helping us match you to the perfect opportunity.

Complete Your Training

Complete your assigned training modules relevant to your selected role, ensuring you’re ready for your volunteer responsibilities.

Start Making an Impact

We’ll connect you with a local service, and a Meals on Wheels representative will reach out to confirm your first volunteer shift.

Ready to volunteer?

If you are ready to volunteer with Meals on Wheels™ Queensland, register your interest through the volunteer sign-up process and select your preferred location and role. If you would like help choosing the right local service or you have questions about shifts, screening, or corporate volunteering, call 1300 90 97 90 or email info@qmow.org.

How to sign up

To get started, choose a local service location and register your interest through the Meals on Wheels™ Queensland volunteer sign-up process. If you want to volunteer with a specific service, or you would like to volunteer with a friend or family member, you can let the team know during registration or by contacting them directly.

If you have completed registration and have not heard back, you can contact Meals on Wheels Queensland for follow-up.

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