WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. – Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital is calling on community members to step forward and make a meaningful difference by volunteering as drivers for its Home Delivered Meals program. This vital service provides hot, nutritious noon meals five days a week to residents in Wisconsin Rapids, Port Edwards, Nekoosa, Kellner, and Grand Rapids who are unable to prepare meals for themselves.
“Volunteer drivers are the heart of this program,” said Annmarie Ott, Volunteer Coordinator at Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital. “They don’t just deliver meals, they provide a friendly face, a wellness check, and a connection to the community. Without them, many of our neighbors would struggle to access the nutrition they need.”
The program, coordinated by the hospital’s Food & Nutrition Services Department and supported by Volunteer Services, currently delivers approximately 80 meals each weekday. Meals are prepared under the supervision of a registered dietitian, packed in insulated containers, and brought directly to recipients’ homes by volunteer drivers.
Due to recent challenges with the federally funded Meals on Wheels program, demand for Aspirus’ Home Delivered Meals has grown significantly. At the same time, many long-time volunteers are retiring from their roles, leaving a pressing need for new drivers to sustain and expand this service.
Volunteer drivers deliver meals between 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Each route takes about an hour and involves ten to 12 stops. In addition to delivering meals, volunteers provide a brief visit and report any special needs to the program coordinator. Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital is located at 410 Dewey Street.
To learn more or to volunteer, please call 715.421.7447. For more information about Aspirus Health, visit, aspirus.org.