FAQs

Meals on Wheels Australia (MoWA) represents a network of more than 590 independently run local non-profit service outlets that operate in virtually every Australian community.

We play an important role in developing and sharing best practice between the 592 services that the State and Territory Associations represent, along with promoting and raising awareness of Meals on Wheels in Australia and the customers we serve.

It is important to note that some local service providers trade under a different name, but sill provide Meals on Wheels’ life-changing and essential service.

MoWA provides proactive and strategic national leadership and a clear coherent voice on matters that affect our customers, volunteers and staff and the local communities in which they are placed.

We offer a single point of contact between Meals on Wheels services and policy-makers, funders, regulators, sponsors and other key stakeholders.

Meals on Wheels Australia is funded by member subscriptions, corporate partnerships, donations and occasional Government sponsorship or grants.

Every effort is made to keep meals as affordable as possible, particularly as many of our customers are receiving support from a Government-funded program or experiencing food insecurity.

Meals on Wheels meals are provided at production cost and range in price from $4.50 to $12.00, depending on the service. 

We are advocating tirelessly for more equitable funding for meal providers through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), Home Care Packages (HCP), National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and on a private non-subsidised basis. 

The generosity of our volunteers, who give their time to help cook in the kitchens, drive the cars, and deliver the meals, means we are able to provide a vital service at an economical price.

Meals on Wheels is an essential service that delivers meals to those unable to cook or shop for themselves or living with an illness or disability and plays an important role in early intervention and health prevention, allowing older Australians to live in their homes where they are often happiest.

To get in touch with your local service to discuss how we can support you or your loved one, click here.

Simply click here to find your local service and give them a call or reach out via email. They can discuss your needs and how Meals on Wheels can support you to maintain independence, wellbeing and connection.

From delivery drivers, and preparing and packing food to administrative tasks, most Meals on Wheels services engaged with volunteers in some capacity.

Volunteering for Meals on Wheels is a rewarding experience and enables you to remain socially connected and engaged, while supporting vulnerable members of your community.  Without the dedication and generosity of Meals on Wheels volunteers, our valuable work would not be possible.

If you are interested in volunteering for Meals on Wheels, click here to find the details of your local service, and get in touch to discuss opportunities today.

Your Meals on Wheels State and Territory body can also give you the relevant phone number or email address.

It is important to note while every endeavour is made to match a desired volunteering role to your local Meals on Wheels service, this cannot be guaranteed.

Meals on Wheels services can be found in almost every community around Australia. Additionally, your local service provider may be trading as a different name.

Click here to find the contact details for a Meals on Wheels service operating near you.

Currently, member services collectively deliver more than two thirds of meal services provided under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), a Government program that supports Australians to live independently in their homes.

We also receive customer contributions for our meals.

If you wish to file a complaint or provide feedback about your local service, the best thing you can do is contact them directly.  The peak body of your State or Territory, for example, Meals on Wheels NSW, can also handle complaints and follow-up directly with the local service, if required.