Meals on Wheels Australia

Our Shared Purpose

For over 65 years, Meals on Wheels has played a crucial role nationally in supporting the health and wellbeing of over 200,000 older Australians every year across our member network of over 590 service locations.

Our shared purpose is to support well-nourished, independent and connected communities through the delivery of a nutritious meal, social connection and a wellbeing check by our dedicated volunteer workforce.

How We Help

Our essential service plays an important role in early intervention and health prevention, allowing older Australians to live in their homes for longer.

We do this through our incredible 45,000 volunteer workforce who form meaningful connections with Meals on Wheels customers, enable them to live independently and age well and provide valuable peace-of-mind to their loved ones.

Testimonials

“What a wonderful service. I am so grateful to the Meals on Wheels service and its volunteers. I value our visits very much – in all weather and these difficult COVID times.”

“Mum is really enjoying the meals she's receiving and I'm so grateful that there's an extra set of eyes on her every day to check she's okay. I underestimated how comforting the daily delivery is for me, giving me peace of mind about how she's going.”

“I have no one in the world, besides my dog. Meals on Wheels virtually saved my life. It means so much to know that the volunteers were there for me and took the time to make me feel valued. Those couple of minutes made a huge difference to my life.”

“The food was very good, but the company is even better. Someone to acknowledge you, to actually listen and take it in. It’s a reason to get out of bed in the morning and it’s been a very long time since I had a reason to get out of bed.”

“I look forward to catching up with our small team of volunteers each week, always full of smiles and humour. We take pride in the meals we prepare, confident that the customers will enjoy nourishing home style meals. And I'm learning new cooking skills that are flowing on to my own cooking at home.”

“I moved to our community about five years ago and it has been the best way to meet people. Our customers are so grateful for anything we do, but I don't think they realise the rewards we get from doing what we do.”

“After mum passed away two years ago, my dad went through times of simply not wanting to prepare anything to eat. Having that interaction, knowing that a lovely meal was going to be delivered, greatly lifted his spirits and, along with family support and his amazing neighbours, the volunteers helped him overcome a very rough time, and continue to put a smile on his face.”

“The volunteers who deliver the meals are a great bunch. I’m not too mobile but greet them at the back door and I’m sure if I was not there, they’d be looking for me.”

“The care that is shown to my mother means a lot to me. I have worried so much less now that I know she has her meals from Meals on Wheels and is eating well. I am so very grateful for all you do for her.”

“I have been receiving Meals on Wheels for many years, and I truly believe that is why I am alive today. The meals are fresh and nourishing and very tasty. I am 93 years old and I hate cooking, so keep up the good work.”

“This service provided outside support and was like having a blanket of comfort. The stress of food daily (buying, shopping, cooking) was all alleviated. The relief was immense.”

“The Meals on Wheels volunteers are fantastic, always friendly and helpful. I look forward to seeing their smiling cheery faces every day. This valuable service allows me to stay in my home knowing a meal will always be available, even during a COVID lockdown!”

Volunteers in the spotlight ahead of election and beyond

Volunteers across Australia will be in the spotlight right up until Election Day, serving as a timely reminder to the new Government of the need for ongoing support of community organisations.

17 May 2022