Wednesday 30 August is the National Meals on Wheels Day. This iconic charity and much-needed meal delivery service is celebrating 70 years of delivering #morethanjustameal to older Australians. 

Kiama Meals on Wheels will commemorate this day by hosting a brunch for members and guests at the Sebel Harbourside in Kiama, celebrating 53 years serving our local community and giving a huge thanks to their volunteers for their dedication and commitment.

“At Meals on Wheels Kiama we know that it’s not just the customers who benefit from our service. The sense of purpose felt in making a real and tangible difference in our local community, as well as opportunities to make new friends and learn new skills, make volunteering for Meals on Wheels a rewarding experience,” Kiama Meals on Wheels Manager, Joanne North explains.

The mission is supported by tens of thousands of dedicated volunteers, who not only deliver nutritious meals to the doors of those who need it but also help to combat social isolation, which is a national health and wellbeing issue among those aged over 65.  

The chair of Meals on Wheels Australia, Paul Sadler says that this 70-year milestone is something to be truly proud of. “One thing that has remained clear over all this time 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,” Mr Sadler says.

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.  

In supporting the health, independence, and connection of people within our community, Joanne says, “The Huber Social Report has confirmed what the Meals on Wheels community has known for years.”