The Austin Hot Meals on Wheels is looking for volunteer drivers for short term replacement and as substitute drivers.

Meals are delivered from 11 a.m. to noon. Besides meeting nutritional needs, delivering meals is a way to ensure clients aren’t seriously ill or injured and provides social contact to clients. A driver generally makes 10 stops each route and commitment is one day a week for one hour.

Currently, 90 clients have received 14,900 meals through September. Last year drivers delivered nearly 21,000 meals provided by Sacred Heart, Mayo Health Systems and Comforcare. Meals are delivered Monday through Friday every week of the year excluding holidays. There are 45 regular route drivers for nine routes each week.

There are 10 regular substitute drivers, but more are needed.

Hot Meals on Wheels has partnered with the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service. RSVP provides reimbursement of .22 cents for mileage from the volunteer’s home to the meal pickup place, through the delivery of meals and back home again. RSVP also provides free supplemental accident and liability insurance coverage while driving for Hot Meals. This insurance covers what primary insurance does not, including the deductible.

Hot Meals on Wheels is funded by client or third-party reimbursement, grants and donations. In addition, Thrivent Choice customers can choose to donate their Choice Dollars to Austin Hot Meals on Wheels.

To become a Hot Meals on Wheels driver, call 507-438-3140 to be directed to a driver coordinator.