Volunteers celebrated on National Meals on Wheels Day

Over the past year, these volunteers, spread across 700 metropolitan, regional and rural branch networks, have prepared and delivered a staggering 14 million nourishing meals to 60,000 people in need on a daily basis.

“Our many thousands of amazing and inspiring volunteers don’t just prepare and deliver meals,” says Australian Meals on Wheels Association (AMOWA) President, Mr Nelson Mathews. “They nourish, strengthen and care for communities by delivering delicious and nutritious ready-to-eat meals, providing important social contact to people who may be isolated and lonely, as well as monitoring the physical and psychological wellbeing of those most vulnerable. They also build strong relationships with clients and their volunteer teams.

“By keeping people out of hospital and residential care, and helping them remain independent in their own homes as long as possible, means our volunteers are also helping save tax dollars.

“It is estimated that the economic value is in excess of $350 million per year. While services receive some government funding, they could not operate without volunteers to keep costs down and make meals affordable for clients,” according to Mr Mathews.

“Many people underestimate the value of this. But it’s not just about a “meal” – it is much more than that.”

Mr Mathews says anyone who has had to live alone at any stage of life would know finding the motivation to cook well-rounded nutritious meals was difficult.

“Add to this frailty, physical disability, early dementia, or grief after losing a spouse, and the shopping and cooking experience becomes overwhelming,” he said. “That’s where Meals on Wheels steps in – offering access to nourishing meals to suit client needs, either for a short period of time to get someone back on their feet, or for longer periods.

“The key here is independence. We work closely with other community and health services to keep people engaged in their communities. If people have adequate nutrition, they remain active and involved. It’s all connected. Physical and emotional well-being is integral for maintaining good health,” Mr Mathews says.

“Early intervention keeps people healthy. In our weight-obsessed culture, it’s sobering to consider that a huge number of elderly Australians are undernourished and underweight. This leads to unnecessary health problems, costly hospital stays, and in some cases admission to residential care.

“Living at home independently for as long as possible is precious. The Meals on Wheels service has assisted generations of Australians for over 60 years, and will continue to do so for many more.

“That’s worth a celebration. National Meals on Wheels Day is the ideal occasion to recognise, pay tribute and congratulate our volunteers whose commitment and support is immeasurable,” he says.

Visit the Meals on Wheels website for more information or if you are interested in volunteering.