Volunteering for Meals on Wheels:
Making a Difference in Mercer County
BY ERICA REMBOSKE
Bonner Community Scholar students at the College of New Jersey (TCNJ) volunteer with various non-profit organizations in Mercer County, helping to improve the lives of those in need. Among their many efforts, 59 students who are part of the Bonner Volunteer Program support Meals on Wheels of Mercer County, delivering food to local seniors facing food insecurity.
Meals on Wheels services individuals who are unable to purchase food themselves, allowing seniors to remain in their homes and live independently. As families become more dispersed, the demand for services like Meals on Wheels continues to grow. Volunteering takes place Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:45 a.m. to noon.
Meals on Wheels and the Bonner Community Scholars Program, Emma Weniger, is a fourth-year English student and site leader for the organization. She has always been involved in community service. Weniger joined the Bonner Community Scholars Program in 2023 as a freshman at TCNJ. She chose the college specifically because it offered a program that allowed her to continue her passion for community service. “A scholarship really helped me to be able to attend college,” Weniger explained. “And without the Bonner program, I wouldn’t have the friends I have now.” She emphasized how fulfilling it has been to see the positive impact the Bonner students have made in Trenton and Mercer County. “It feels good every day knowing that I’m leaving the world a little better than I found it.”
Volunteering with the Bonner program is open to all students, not just scholars. “You can volunteer with Bonners, who train you on how to volunteer,” says Weniger. Volunteers don’t need any special skills—just a desire to help and a willingness to commit some time. “The support of both students and the community is always needed,” Weniger added. Even with a busy schedule, she believes the experience is rewarding and provides great opportunities for growth.
Simrranjot Mann, a fourth-year nursing student and another site leader, became a Bonner student in her freshman year, said she values the program for allowing students to provide "hope and comfort to the seniors and other homebound individuals in the community experiencing food insecurity." Meals on Wheels not only offers meals, it provides essential nutritional support to vulnerable individuals, contributing to their well-being. Nutritional support includes meals tailored to health-related needs.
Weniger said students and area residents volunteer to deliver meals. Once you contact your local chapter, they’ll guide you through the volunteer process and help you get involved. The meals are typically delivered during lunchtime, but there are flexible times available depending on your schedule. Volunteering usually takes no more than 90 minutes, making it an accessible way to give back.
The Meals on Wheels program relies on dedicated volunteers to fulfill its mission. Every meal delivered represents not just food but also the connection between the volunteer and the recipient, offering not just nourishment but also companionship and support.
Volunteers through The College of New Jersey can go through the process of delivering meals to help make a difference. Those not affiliated with the college can help prepare meals as well as deliver them to those in need.
For those looking to get involved, visiting the Meals on Wheels website is a great way to learn about volunteer opportunities in your area. By volunteering, you not only help provide meals to those in need but also make a lasting impact on your community.