Meal on wheels rolls on

NEVER before have the thousands of Meals on Wheels volunteers been called upon so heavily – but the vast majority wouldn’t trade it for the world.

The commitment to the citizens who desperately need the help of the meal delivery service remains unwavering, according to a survey of 2300 volunteers by Meals on Wheels Australia.

Seventy-six per cent of volunteers say they are more concerned about the social wellbeing of their customers during the pandemic, while another 35 per cent of volunteers are spending more time with each customer in an attempt to reduce the impact of social isolation.

Tales of volunteers going above and beyond are nothing new to NSW Meals on Wheels CEO Les MacDonald.

“That’s the thing that isn’t fully understood around the Australian community – it’s much more than just a meal,” he said.

He said demand for the service peaked last year when many older residents were fearful of leaving their homes.

He said volunteers were regularly spending extra time chatting with vulnerable residents.

“Meals on Wheels grew out of local communities – so local people are the ones who do it. They’re the ones who identify people in their area who need help,” he said.