For many of the Meals on Wheels volunteers and clients, the delivery of the meals and conversation that comes with it is a much cherished part of the week.
Photo by
Louie Cina
A knock at the door, a friendly face and a nutritious meal.
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That simple interaction is a weekly highlight for many of the around 50 people across Murray River Council who receive food through Meals on Wheels.
This National Meals on Wheels Day, the council wants to highlight the multifaceted benefits the program brings and the people who make it happen.
MRC has around 37 volunteers who help deliver meals to community members with a My Aged Care referral who’ve signed up to the MOW service all over the local government area.
The meals are subsidised, chosen by the resident, and dropped either weekly, or on an as-needed basis.
Angie Stewart is the community transport and MOW co-ordinator based at the council’s Moama community services office.
She speaks to each of the people the program supports weekly, asking them what meals they’d like and what assistance they need.
Volunteer driver Les Bartha alongside some of Murray River Council’s Moama community services staff, Babs Stritch, Fiona Pearse and Angie Stewart, who help make the Meals on Wheels program happen.
Photo by
Louie Cina
“It’s very fulfilling and rewarding looking after those people that might not have family nearby,” Ms Stewart said.
“To have someone out there that will drop in, it’s not just a meal, it’s having a conversation, seeing how they are, how they’re coping with their week.
“(Our volunteers) can pick up cues from that, and it helps us refer them on to further services if they need more assistance.
“People don’t realise (delivering meals) is a volunteer position ... they do it because they want to connect with people.”
MRC Mayor John Harvie said the program gave residents connection and agency, and had become a cherished part of many of their weeks.
“For many people, that friendly knock at the door provides an important connection, a chance for a chat and reassurance that someone is looking out for them,” Cr Harvie said.
“Our volunteers help people maintain their independence and reduce social isolation, often becoming a familiar and much-valued part of their week.
“I thank all of our local Meals on Wheels volunteers for the compassion, kindness and time they give to others.
“Their contribution makes a real difference to the lives of people across our communities.”
One of the Moama-based MOW volunteers, Les Bartha, said the benefits of the program were not just felt by those receiving the meals.
Les Bartha and Angie Stewart have formed a friendship with Alex and Pam Waters through the Meals on Wheels program.
Photo by
Louie Cina
“I love it for the connections,” Mr Bartha said.
“Especially being new in Echuca Moama, it’s (a) pretty good way (to build relationships).”
National Meals on Wheels Day honours the impact the program has delivering nutrition, connection, dignity and care to older Australians.
It will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 26.
To find out more about Meals on Wheels or how to get a My Aged Care referral, visit one of Murray River Council’s community services offices in Moama, Barham, Moulamein or Tooleybuc or call 1300 087 004 and ask for the community services office.
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