Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels has launched the “Training Wheels Program,” offering community members a firsthand experience of volunteering with people who have already given so much back to the community.

The program offers community members the opportunity to experience meal delivery firsthand by riding along with one of FBS’ experienced drivers before committing to becoming a volunteer.

How the program works:

• Ride-alongs take place once a month on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Up to four participants are accepted for each ride-along.

• Routes begin and end at the Bud O’Shieles distribution center in Rosenberg

• Participants must be 18 or older and sign a liability waiver before participation.

• Comfortable, closed-toe shoes and appropriate clothing are encouraged for the day’s deliveries.

Following the ride-along, participants will be invited to fill out a volunteer application and attend an orientation to become a full-fledged FBS volunteers.

“Our volunteers are the backbone of our program, and with Training Wheels, we hope to give potential volunteers a clear understanding of the invaluable role they play,” said Doug Simpson, Executive Director of Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels. “This program is a great way to introduce community members to our mission and inspire them to help us continue providing vital services to our seniors.”

FBS serves over 2,300 seniors annually across Fort Bend and Waller counties, delivering approximately 422,000 meals in 2024. The services offered by FBS are crucial in combating food insecurity and social isolation among the elderly.

For more information or to sign up for the Training Wheels Program, visit fortbendseniors.org/volunteer or call 281-633-7053.