CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman County Commission on Aging is seeking volunteers to help deliver hot, nutritious meals to homebound seniors across the county, a service officials say helps senior adults remain in their homes longer.
Director Stephanie Lawson said the homebound meals program operates through seven full-time senior centers located in Colony, Crane Hill, Cullman, Fairview, Hanceville, Holly Pond and West Point. Each center coordinates meal delivery routes within its surrounding area Monday through Friday.
“These are individuals who are truly homebound,” she said. “They may not physically be able to cook for themselves or get out to get food, and in many cases, they don’t have anyone available during the day to bring them a hot meal.”
Volunteers deliver meals during a set time window to ensure food safety and quality. Each route must be completed in under two hours, which has led the agency to divide routes in higher-need areas, increasing demand for additional volunteers. Lawson said some centers, including Hanceville and Crane Hill, are preparing to split routes due to growing demand. Cullman’s routes also cover a wide geographic area, stretching into surrounding communities, which may require additional routes in the future.
Volunteer drivers typically arrive at their assigned center between 9:30-10 a.m., pick up pre-packaged meals and deliver them using insulated bags provided by the center. After completing their routes, volunteers report back to staff with any concerns or notes about clients they were unable to reach.
Beyond providing food, Lawson said, the program offers seniors emotional and physical benefits and peace of mind for families. “This program helps seniors stay in their homes longer instead of moving into assisted living or nursing facilities,” she said. “It also reassures families, whether they live nearby or out of state, that someone is checking in on their loved one.”
The program offers flexible volunteer options. While some drivers commit to a regular weekly schedule, others volunteer one or two days a month or serve as on-call backups when regular drivers are unavailable.
Individuals interested in meal delivery volunteer opportunities should contact Laurie Knight at 256-734-1241 or lknight@co.cullman.al.us.
Learn more about the COA and its services at https://co.cullman.al.us/coa/index.html.
