Welcome to Ken-Ton Meals on Wheels Volunteers!
We are so excited to have you join our community of compassionate volunteers. At Ken-Ton Meals on Wheels, our mission is simple yet powerful: to deliver nutritious meals and provide meaningful connections to our neighbors in need throughout the Village of Kenmore and the Town of Tonawanda. By volunteering your time, you are helping us ensure that no one in our community feels forgotten, hungry, or alone.
Why Volunteers Matter
Every meal delivered is more than just food, it’s comfort, care, and a reminder to our recipients that they are valued members of this community. Volunteers like you are the heart of our program. You are the friendly face at the door, the reassuring voice that checks in, and the helping hand that makes it possible for thousands of meals to reach homes every year.
Your Role as a Volunteer
As a volunteer driver or helper, you will:
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Deliver meals to residents in Kenmore and Tonawanda who may not be able to cook or shop for themselves.
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Provide a safety check, sometimes, you might be the only person a client sees that day. A smile, a kind word, or a quick hello can brighten someone’s entire week.
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Support independence by allowing seniors and individuals with disabilities to remain safely in their homes.
Helpful Resources
To assist you in your role, we’ve created a Quick Reference Guide with step-by-step information on delivering meals, tips for making the process smooth, and answers to common questions. We encourage you to keep this guide handy as you get comfortable with your route.
We’re Here for You
If at any point you have questions, need clarification, or simply want to share feedback about your experience, we are always here to help. Please reach out:
📞 (716) 874-3595
✉️ jennifer@ktmeals.org
Thank You
On behalf of our staff, board, and clients, thank you for sharing your time, energy, and kindness. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of our neighbors. Volunteering with Ken-Ton Meals on Wheels is more than just delivering food, it’s delivering hope, dignity, and community.
We’re grateful to have you on this journey with us. Welcome to the team!
— Jennifer Jetter, Volunteer Coordinator
Mission
At Ken-Ton Meals on Wheels, our mission is to promote the health, dignity, and independence of individuals in the Ken-Ton community by delivering nutritious meals with care and compassion.
Through this service, we not only provide essential nourishment but also foster meaningful connections that help our neighbors remain safe, supported, and valued in their own homes.
Delivery Guidelines for Volunteers
What To do if you get no answer?
When delivering meals, please keep the following safety and communication tips in mind:
Approaching the Home
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Many of our clients are hard of hearing or have limited mobility. Knock loudly and give them extra time to respond.
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If you have a cell phone, try calling their home phone number (listed on your route sheet) to get their attention if needed.
If the Door is Locked or Open
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Check if the door is locked.
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If it is unlocked, announce yourself loudly before entering.
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If the client is not home, you may place the meal in their refrigerator.
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Do not leave meals unattended outside (even in a cooler) or on a counter/table if the client is not there.
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If you place a meal in the refrigerator, notify the office right away.
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If the Client Does Not Respond
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First, call their home number.
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If there is still no answer and the house is locked, call the office to speak with the social worker, who will follow up with the client’s emergency contact.
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Return any undelivered meals, along with your cooler and bag, to the office at the end of your route.
In Case of Emergency
If you find a client in distress or in need of medical attention:
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Call 911 immediately
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If in the Town of Tonawanda, you may also call the Town of Tonawanda Police at (716) 876-5300.
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If in the Village of Kenmore, you may also call the Village of Kenmore Police at (716) 875-1234.
Please ask the dispatcher to send help as soon as possible.
Please dispatcher to send help ASAP.
Arrival
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Please plan to arrive around 11:00a.m.
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If you are assigned a new route, plan to arrive at 10:45 a.m. to allow extra time for directions.
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Drivers: Pull into the line forming along the side of the building.
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Servers: Park in an unmarked spot toward the back of the lot, away from the line of traffic.
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Everyone should use the north parking lot (closest to Ensminger Road) at 169 Sheridan Parkside Drive.
Meal Pickup Process
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Stay in your vehicle. KTMOW staff will bring everything to your car.
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Cold meals are packed in coolers. Occasionally, a small green cooler may be used in addition to the standard cooler.
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Hot meals are packed in red insulated bags with electric heaters that plug into your car. Each bag is tagged and numbered for your route.
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If your heater is not working, notify staff immediately.
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Pickup time: Coolers and hot bags will be ready for release between 11:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m..
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Staff will be in the parking lot to assist with loading your supplies.
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Understanding Your Route Sheet Arrival
Your route sheet is essential to delivering meals correctly and efficiently. Always keep it with you during your route.
📋 Where to Find It
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Located on a clipboard in the top pocket of the red hot meal bag.
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Includes:
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Route sheet
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Daily board count
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Delivery instructions
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A map is also included under the route sheet.
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If missing → ask staff before leaving.
🗂 What’s on the Route Sheet
1. Header Information
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Route number
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Date (listed as the Monday of the current week)
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Office phone number – call us anytime if you need help while on the road
2. Client Information
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Clients are listed in numerical order (this is the order you should deliver).
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Each entry includes:
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Client name
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Address
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Special instructions
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Example: “Knock, announce, and enter” Knock loudly
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Announce: “Meals on Wheels! Here to deliver your meals.”
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Enter to deliver the meal
3. Meal Codes
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Next to each client, you’ll see columns for days of the week (M, T, W, Th, F, S, S)
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The numbers/letters show how many meals are delivered that day
Key Codes:
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0 or X → No meal delivered that day
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H1 → One hot meal
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HC1 → One hot + one cold meal
✅ Tip: Double-check the codes each day, as clients’ meal schedules may vary.
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