The case for getting involved

An often-touted benefit of Meals on Wheels for recipients is the connection to their community that comes from a daily volunteer visit. Could it be that volunteers receive a similar benefit from being part of something bigger?

Recently, we were one of a number local organizations who were a part of a volunteer fair featuring a screening of the film Join or Die hosted by Masonic Charities. The film examines the impact declining civic engagement has on our communities – and our own sense of well-being.

Without giving too much away, the film (currently streaming on Netflix) concludes that regularly involvement in clubs or community organizations helps improve both the lives of participants and their communities. The decline is participation in community organizations also coincides with a rise in Americans experiencing loneliness.

While there are multiple ways to combat loneliness, joining a club or signing up for a regular volunteer commitment is a great place to start and the positive effects can be felt quickly. Putnam’s research suggests in stark terms that those who join a club or a group reduce their chances of dying within the next year by half.

Meals on Wheels volunteers can sign up to deliver meals once a week, or even once a month, which offers volunteers the chance to regularly connect with each other and the people they deliver to. For those looking for a way to get more involved in their communities, it’s a great place to start.

“During the pandemic I felt like I needed to do something. It’s been enjoyable. It made me realize that human contact is very important,” says Elisa Wright, a regular volunteer with Bloomington-Eden Prairie Meals on Wheels.

Most local Meals on Wheels programs currently need volunteers, with many older volunteers leaving for warmer locations during the winter. You can learn more about becoming a delivery volunteer and sign up here. Our partners at Hello 4 Health also offer numerous suggestions for getting more connected to your community. Whichever way you choose to get involved, giving back to your community can also be a great way to improve your own well-being.