Meals on Wheels Faces Volunteer Shortage

As the population of elderly people grows and gas prices climb, Meals on Wheels is having trouble finding and keeping volunteer drivers, reports USA Today.

Many of the 4,000 Meals on Wheels programs nationwide, which bring meals and companionship to poor elderly or disabled people, have months-long waiting lists or a serious shortage of volunteers. Some programs are in danger of closing.

To support their services, some Meals on Wheels have begun paying drivers, recruiting college students, using the Web site Craigslist to find volunteers, and asking businesses and other nonprofit groups to get involved.