La Verne / San Dimas Meals on Wheels
Delivering a nutritious hot meal by a super friendly volunteer
Question and Answer
Please click on one of the 3 buttons below to get answers on some of the most common questions asked about La Verne / San Dimas Meals on Wheels.
Get Meals
How do I know if I'm eligible to receive meals?
Anyone who is homebound that needs a prepared meal - for any reason i.e.: health, surgery, inability to cook themselves, etc. who live in the City of La Verne or the City of San Dimas is eligible. We are currently not accepting clients who reside in cities other than La Verne or San Dimas, but we can provide referrals to similar services in other area. To be absolutely certain whether you are eligible or not, please contact us.
If I sign up, do I get meals every day?
Our normal meal delivery schedule is Monday to Friday, 1 meal per day. However, it is possible to receive less meals per week. A minimum of 2 meals per week is preferred. Possible schedules are Monday - Wednesday - Friday or Tuesday - Thursday. When you sign up please tell us your meal delivery preferences and we will do our best to accommodate you. Please note you are only billed for the meals you request.
Can I skip a meal “on the spur of the moment” if I won’t be home, like for a doctor’s appointment?
Yes. We need a minimum 24-hour notice to cancel for the next day. Example: To cancel a meal on Wednesday, we would need notification on Tuesday before 11:00 AM. You will be charged for the meal if we are not notified with in the 24-hour window.
How do I pay for meals?
You will be asked to pay a small amount in advance, when you sign up, that will cover the cost of meals for the remaining portion of the month in which you start. From that point on, you will be billed on a monthly basis. Bills will be delivered to your home by our driver, usually on the first Monday of the month, and you may return your payment in the envelope provided to another driver on a subsequent day. You do not need to mail in your payment.
What do the meals consist of?
All meals are planned by a dietitian for nutrition and appeal. Each meal includes an entrée, starch, vegetable, bread, fruit or cookie and a drink (milk or juice). An alternate diabetic meal is available. All meals are low sodium. Delivery time is between 11:15 AM to 1:00 PM, Monday to Friday including holidays.
May I request certain types of meals, or does every client receive exactly the same thing?
Clients may request “no ham or pork,” and it’s also possible to get fruit rather than a sweet dessert. Our policy regarding special meals is currently under review. When you sign up, your intake volunteer will provide you with current information about any options that are available.
How do I cancel meal service if I choose to discontinue?
Just contact us at 909-596-1828 and let us know that you want to cancel. We make changes to our delivery schedule only once a week, so your cancellation will take effect on Monday following your notice if we get your message before the previous Friday at noon.
If I put the meal delivery “on hold” temporarily (due, perhaps, to an unanticipated stay in a hospital or a short trip), do I still have to pay for the meals?
The answer depends on when you notify us to place your meals “on hold.” We order our food in advance and must pay for what we order. Therefore, if you cancel without sufficient notice, we still need to charge you. If you wish to avoid being charged, you must notify us no later than Friday at noon for any changes that you want to take effect the following week. Please notify us by calling 909-596-1828. If you notify us in advance as specified above, your next month’s bill will be adjusted for meals that you decided to skip. Also, if you have a medical emergency and are hospitalized for two days or more, then your next month’s bill will also be adjusted.
Volunteering
How do I volunteer?
Volunteers are needed in many capacities. Donate your time and talents by applying online on the Volunteer page of this web site using the Apply Now button, calling (909) 596-1828 or e-mail the volunteer coordinator at volunteer@lvsdmealsonwheels.org. Please provide your name and contact information stating you are interested in volunteering for one of the positions at La Verne / San Dimas Meals on Wheels.
Why is it so important that I volunteer at
La Verne/San Dimas Meals on Wheels?
We are 100% non-paid volunteer organization. Our clients would not receive their meals if it wasn’t for our volunteers who donate their time and energy ensuring they get their meals and stay healthy. The biggest reason to volunteer is seeing the faces of the recipients when they get their meals. They are happy to see us.
What are the positions at La Verne/San Dimas Meals on Wheels?
Most of our volunteers are Drivers, Navigators or Substitutes. Another position is Day Captain who coordinates the activities of the kitchen and drivers. They also act as a resource when non-routine events occur. There are other additional positions too. Please contact us if interested in a volunteer position.
What will I be doing as a volunteer?
You will be delivering meals to a home bound person who is waiting to see your smiling face with a nutritious meal.
Will I have to volunteer on weekends? On Holidays?
La Verne / San Dimas Meals on Wheels delivers meals Monday through Friday (including Holidays). We do not deliver meals on the weekend.
Will I have a set schedule when I volunteer?
Generally, yes. The La Verne / San Dimas Volunteer Coordinator will discuss your availability and setup your schedule when you volunteer. We want you to enjoy your volunteer experience. We thank you for the time you dedicate for our homebound clients.
How do I sign up to be a volunteer?
You can contact us a 909-596-1828 or email us at volunteer@lvsdmealsonwheels.org to sign up. However, the easiest way to sign up is to complete the online Volunteer Application on the Volunteer page of this web site. You could also use the Contact Us form and fill that one out. No matter which method you choose, you will be contacted by La Verne / San Dimas Meals on Wheels. Usually within 2 days.
Do I need a car to volunteer?
You only need a car ( and car insurance ) if you will be driving to deliver meals.
Are the volunteers responsible for cooking the food?
No. Hillcrest Homes cooks all the food. The volunteers put the meals together for delivery.
Donate
How do I donate money to La Verne San Dimas Meals on Wheels?
The current way to donate is by mailing us a check. We hope to have our online donation system in place in the near future but for now please make your check out to La Verne / San Dimas Meals on Wheels and mail your check to La Verne / San Dimas Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 7821, La Verne, CA. 91750.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Donations are deductible to the extent permitted by law for contributions to nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status. Please consult with your tax advisor for details.
How will you use my donation
Our organization is 100% volunteer so we have very low overhead. Your donation will primarily go towards the cost for meals.
What is a typical donation?
There is no set amount for a donation. Please give what you want to. A donation of $5.00 or $10.00 is always appreciated. If you want to give more or less that's okay too. We don't want you to feel obligated.