Meals on Wheels Central Coast is going from strength to strength, distributing almost 18,000 meals in November alone across the region.
Deeply rooted in the community for more than 56 years, the service takes meals to seniors and younger individuals with disabilities, particularly in response to the challenges posed by COVID and now the current high cost of living.
With four outlets that span the length of the Central Coast, the service continues to meet the demands of the growing and ageing population of the Central Coast.
Meals on Wheels Central Coast also delivered a further 1,800 meals at its popular Community Restaurants.
New CEO Neridah Morris attributed a surge in the service’s popularity to the introduction of a new restaurant quality gourmet range, enriching the menu with an impressive 170 meal choices.
“The tireless dedication of more than 167 volunteers assisting with the free delivery service extending from Pearl Beach in the south to Summerland Point in the north and across to the Hawkesbury River in the west, has played a pivotal role in this achievement,” she said.
In true Christmas Spirit, and in celebration of the record-breaking milestone, each Meals on Wheels Central Coast client will receive a complimentary Christmas turkey and ham roast meal with a cute little festive gingerbread man hand delivered in the weeks leading up to Christmas Day.
With more than 20 local staff across its four outlets and main distribution centre, Meals on Wheels Central Coast not only ensures the seamless operation of its free delivery service but also assists clients with menu ordering and packs more than 1,000 meals daily from Monday to Friday.
“It’s so rewarding to welcome all our lovely new clients this year and to know we’re helping more and more people to live a flourishing, independent life,” Morris said.
“Meals on Wheels Central Coast has been a lifeline for family members struggling to support their loved ones to maintain a balanced diet or prepare home-cooked meals and to have critical social interaction.”
Since its post-World War II role dealing with rationing and food shortages, Meals on Wheels has evolved into a comprehensive service that goes beyond the delivery of a meal.
It also runs four local Community Restaurants and provides social support, wellness checks, assisted shopping and even pre-packaged pet food for clients’ furry friends.