Throughout times of distress, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, there is one factor that can help put a smile on faces, even just for a second.
Deliveries of prepared meals have helped support hundreds of thousands of senior Australians, amid a spike in demand during the pandemic.
Yesterday (26 August, 2020), on National Meals on Wheels Day, the Australian Government acknowledged the vital Meals on Wheels service and its largely volunteer workforce.
Deliveries of prepared meals have increased by up to 50% in some parts of Australia.
“With the impact of both the bushfires and the pandemic, the care and wellbeing of senior Australians has been a priority this year, and meals services and food security have become even more important,” says the Minister of Aged Care and Senior Australians, Senator Richard Colbeck.
“This is why the Australian Government has provided an additional $59.3 million to ensure more prepared meals, food staples and essential daily items are delivered to those who need them most.”
Meals on Wheels has been operating for more than 60 years throughout metropolitan and rural communities nationally.
More than 10 million meals every year are delivered with the support of more than 76,000 Meals on Wheels volunteers.
Meal deliveries are available through Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), and can be organised via phoning 1800 200 422, or heading to the My Aged Care website.