Councils are today participating in National Meals on Wheels Day to celebrate the great efforts of more than 78,000 volunteers who help to deliver nutritious meals and friendship to vulnerable community members.
Councillor Bill McArthur, President of the Municipal Association of Victoria said delivered meals were part of the broader Home and Community Care (HACC) program offering a range of services to support older people and those with ill health or disabilities to live independently in the community.
“Victorian councils are proud of their long history as a major funding partner and the largest public sector provider of delivered meals.
“Meals on Wheels is at the heart of many communities, and the dedication of volunteers is central to the ongoing success of the service.
“HACC services have been provided by Victorian councils for more than 70 years and Australia’s first delivered meal service was initiated by South Melbourne Council in 1954.
“But the Meals on Wheels service delivers more than just a meal. It provides a health and safety check to ensure the wellbeing of the person receiving the meal, and offers a social connection as well.
“The service achieves significant, ongoing positive health benefits far beyond just a nutritious meal for vulnerable community members who may feel isolated and alone.
“Volunteers often alert their supervisor if a client’s health is declining, and the mateship they offer when delivering a meal can be just as important to the recipient as the meal itself.
“Meals on Wheels would not be possible without the generosity of volunteers. They play an important role in keeping communities healthy, and symbolise what it means to be part of a caring community.”
Victorian councils deliver over 1.8 million meals to homes each year, with 88 percent provided to older people over the age of 65 years.
Nationally, more than 14.8 million meals are delivered with the help of 78,700 volunteers to about 53,000 recipients Australia-wide.
Cr McArthur said that last year Victorian councils contributed more than $150 million towards all HACC and related services, in addition to the funding provided by the Victorian and Australian Governments.
“Local government’s role is pivotal for ensuring a nutritious, high quality meal service is provided to many community members in need, along with other support such as personal and respite care, property maintenance and cleaning services.
“Whether it’s a temporary service after an illness or a long-term arrangement for those unable to cook and prepare a meal for themselves, Meals on Wheels makes a real difference in people’s daily lives.”
