National Meals on Wheels Day is held this year on Wednesday August 30, the iconic and much-loved meal delivery service, Meals on Wheels, is celebrating 70 years of delivering #morethanjustameal to older Australians.
With the support of tens of thousands of dedicated volunteers, Meals on Wheels not only delivers delicious and nutritious meals to the doors of older Australians, but 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.
Chair of Meals on Wheels Australia, Paul Sadler says the 70 year milestone is something to be truly proud of, as well as the many ways that Meals on Wheels supports communities, far beyond delivering 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.
“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.”
Mr Sadler says he is looking forward to raising awareness and supporting Meals on Wheels services across the country during his first National Meals on Wheels Day as Chair of Meals on Wheels Australia.
Celebratory events are expected to be held across the country today, as communities, customers, volunteers and Meals on Wheels staff come together to recognise the wonderful work they make possible with Meals on Wheels.
