Community
1 September, 2023
Delivering meals and friendship
HELPING residents to stay in their own homes for longer has been one of the driving forces behind the success of the Meals on Wheels program.
Last year, more than 21,000 meals were delivered to 285 recipients across Warrnambool alone.
Last Wednesday, August 30, marked the 70th anniversary of the iconic and much-loved meal delivery service. With the support of thousands of dedicated volunteers,
Meals on Wheels not only delivers delicious and nutritious meals to the doors of older residents, it also helps combat social isolation - a national health and wellbeing issue among those aged over 65 and a risk factor for poor health and premature death.
Warrnambool mayor Cr Debbie Arnott said the anniversary was a great achievement for a service that helped people stay within the comfort and familiarity of their own homes for longer.
“And it’s heavily reliant on volunteers, so a big shout out to the volunteers who participate in this program,” Cr Arnott said.
“These volunteers are the fabric of our society and they certainly do help a lot of people that might be struggling to stay in their own home by delivering these meals … well done and it’s such an achievement for the community.”
Chair of Meals on Wheels Australia Paul Sadler said the 70-year milestone was something to be proud of, with Meals on Wheels providing support that extended beyond just the delivering of food.
“One thing that has remained clear over Meals on Wheels’ 70 years is that the service we provide with the support of committed volunteers, is vital,” Mr Sadler said.
“As we learnt from the subsequent Meals on Wheels social impact report, released by Huber Social, the Meals on Wheels model and our volunteers are critical in supporting older people to live well, meet their nutritional needs, their dietary and eating preferences, providing necessary social connection, as well as carrying out lifesaving wellbeing checks at every visit.
“It’s all of this that sets Meals on Wheels apart and makes it such a crucial service for communities and older Australians right across the nation.
“What we do certainly goes beyond delivering a meal to someone’s door.” Warrnambool City Council’s manager of community care Peter Russell said Meals on Wheels volunteers helped make a positive difference in the community, while the opportunities to make new friends and learn new skills made volunteering for Meals on Wheels a rewarding experience.
“There are a number of volunteer opportunities available right now and we would welcome anyone who would like to join in the fun while supporting our essential service,” Mr Russell said.
Anyone interested in becoming a Meals on Wheels volunteer can contact Warrnambool council on 5559 4800.
