Swan Hill Rural City Council’s Meals on Wheels program is in desperate need of volunteers.
The program has been providing local residents with nutritious meals for over 25 years.
Meals on Wheels is a volunteer delivery service, delivering meals to the homes of community members who are unable to prepare healthy and nutritious food due to age, health or disability.
The service not only provides community members who are nutritionally at risk with access to a balanced diet, but it also offers personal interaction for those who are socially isolated.
Council’s Director of Community and Cultural services, Bruce Myers said local volunteers have done and continue to do a fantastic job delivering meals across our municipality.
“Our volunteer numbers are declining and we need more helpers to ensure this service remains viable,” said Mr Myers.
“Shortages are now placing extra pressure on our existing volunteers are they are being regularly called upon to fill gaps in rosters, doubling their commitment to this service.”
Mr Myers said that delivery of meals generally only takes around one hour – and ideally with enough volunteers, each person would only be rostered once per month.
“The Meals on Wheels service can be the difference between someone being able to stay living at home or the premature admission to permanent care, and is a rewarding way to assist older community members,” he said.
“We are urging any local community member who can donate an hour a month, to please consider becoming a Meal on Wheels volunteer.”
If you can spare some time and would like to get involved, please contact Council’s Community Care Services Department on 5036 4700.