This National Meals on Wheels Day (Wednesday, August 28), thousands of volunteers will serve up care, connection and comradery to Australians in need, a key ingredient of the iconic, essential service.
For thousands of older Australians, a delicious, nutritious meal delivered to their door by a friendly volunteer not only keeps them well-nourished and able to live independently and well in their own home but also enables them to remain socially connected.
While, for some 35,000 volunteers Australia-wide, Meals on Wheels provides a meaningful opportunity to make new friends, learn new skills and feel good about making a real and tangible difference in their local community.
Chair of Meals on Wheels™ Australia, Paul Sadler says Meals on Wheels has and always will be "more than a meal", going deeper in combating social isolation and malnutrition - two prevalent public health issues faced by older Australians.
"The positive impact of Meals on Wheels goes beyond the delivery of the meal itself," he says.
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"The dual benefit to both customer and volunteer truly shows how Meals on Wheels has been making a difference in almost every Australian community for over 70 years.
Cowra/Grenfell Meals on Wheels Service Manager Denise Makin says National Meals on Wheels Day is an opportunity to recognise the irreplaceable efforts of volunteers, who without, Meals on Wheels' valuable work would not be possible.
"We thank our 230 wonderful volunteers who do an incredible job," Ms Makin said.
"At Meals on Wheels Cowra/Grenfell care, connection and comradery really is the secret ingredient in every meal we deliver," she explains.
"Our volunteers are critical to ensuring we can continue to deliver our life-changing service as cost-effectively as possible. Meals on Wheels' important work would simply not be possible without them.
"There are several volunteer opportunities available right now and we would welcome anyone who would like to join in the fun and support the health, independence and connection of just under 500 people within our communities. "
"If you would like to help deliver meals or be involved in other ways please contact our staff on 63424165 to register and join our awesome team," Ms Makin said.
As part of the annual celebration, Cowra Grenfell Meals on Wheels will host their National Meals on Wheels Community Luncheon and welcomes everyone to join in to see first hand the difference Meals on Wheels makes.
The local service supports just under 500 clients, with a seven day a week meal delivery. Locally prepared hot, cold, and frozen meals are available to those in need.
"We can deliver to anyone who needs assistance, either senior or if you are younger and need the service short term whilst unwell, on a Home Care Package, NDIS package or if required," Ms Makin said.
"Just contact the office staff on Cowra 63424165 or Grenfell 63432233 for further information."
The service hosts monthly Community Luncheons to bring people together to enjoy a meal and social activities.
It is more than just a meal, providing daily social contact and a wellbeing check to its clients.
"We also want to thank our amazing suppliers, supporters in the communities for their ongoing support to enable this essential service to remain sustainable, providing food, care and friendship," Ms Makin said.
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