It GOES without saying that Meals on Wheels (MoW) is “more than just a meal”.
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The ongoing efforts and dedication of Leeton shire MoW volunteers was celebrated as part of National Meals on Wheels Day last Wednesday
The team at Leeton Shire HACC Services help make up MoW’s 75,000-strong volunteer network, which is spread across 700 metropolitan, regional and rural branches Australia-wide.
Over the past year, these volunteers – right across the nation – have prepared and delivered 14 million nourishing meals to 60,000 people in need on a daily basis.
However, that is only the half of it, according to Australian Meals on Wheels Association (AMOWA) president Nelson Mathews.
“Our many thousands of amazing and inspiring volunteers don’t just prepare and deliver meals,” he said.
“They nourish, strengthen and care for communities by delivering delicious and nutritious ready-to-eat meals, providing important social contact to people who may be isolated and lonely, as well as monitoring the physical and psychological wellbeing of those most vulnerable.
“They also build strong relationships with clients and their volunteer teams.
“By keeping people out of hospital and residential care, and helping them remain independent in their own homes as long as possible, means our volunteers are also helping save tax dollars.
“It is estimated the economic value is in excess of $350 million per year.
“While services receive some government funding, they could not operate without volunteers to keep costs down and make meals affordable for clients.”
The federal and state governments fund the MoW service each year.
The program is currently funded until 2017 by the government. This financial year the NSW contribution will provide over 400,000 meals per year to people with disability.
Member for Murray Adrian Piccoli said the government was committed to increasing independence and participation among seniors and people with disability.
“Through the dedication of volunteers under the MoW program vulnerable members can stay in their homes and have access to nutritious food,” he said.
“This is a valuable program which highlights our strong community spirit and the significant contribution of volunteers not just in NSW, but around Australia.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the hard-working staff and volunteers in the Murray electorate that deliver these services.”
To become a MoW volunteer or for more information contact Leeton MoW co-ordinator Tanya Lewis on 6953 6660.