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The Columbia County Office for the Aging is seeking volunteers to help deliver meals and provide companionship to homebound seniors throughout the area. The office says these services are critical, as many older adults cannot prepare meals themselves due to health or mobility challenges and lack outside support.
Volunteers are needed for several tasks, including delivering hot meals to seniors’ homes, offering friendly visits, and assisting with basic daily functions at local senior dining centers. According to the Columbia County Office for the Aging’s home-delivered meals program, eligible residents receive nutritious meals up to five days a week, wellness information, and access to private nutrition counseling. Volunteers help make this possible by ensuring meals are packed and delivered on time.
Requirements for volunteers include having a valid driver’s license and the ability to lift and carry meals weighing up to ten pounds. All volunteers must complete an application and undergo a background check, as noted by the Columbia County Aging & Disability Resource Center. Shifts and responsibilities can vary—from delivering meals between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on weekdays to helping out once every two months with newsletter mailings.
Anyone interested in volunteering can call the Office for the Aging at (518) 828-4258 to learn more or begin the application process. Voluntary contributions to the meal program are also welcomed and help serve more residents locally. More information is available on the Columbia County food security resources page.