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This article was published on Wednesday, 27 August, 2014. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Celebrating National Meals on Wheels Day

MoW will recognise the work of the organisation’s more than 75,000 volunteers. In the course of a year, they deliver some 14 million meals to almost 60,000 people each day, in cities, regional and rural areas. Greater Shepparton delivers up to 100 meals each day to Shepparton, Mooroopna and Tatura.

Australian Meals on Wheels Association President, Mr Ron Welsh OAM said; “The day marks the progress made from humble beginnings in South Melbourne in 1953, where a lady on a tricycle delivered a few meals to local residents. It is an opportunity to highlight to the Australian people the significant contribution that is made to the community by almost 700 Meals on Wheels services and over 75,000 volunteers across Australia”, he said.

Mr Welsh said that the theme for this year’s event has a focus on the role MoW plays in enriching and nourishing communities across the nation. Every day thousands of doors across Australia receive a knock, a friendly greeting and a nourishing meal that enables residents to remain at home and engaged with their communities. To celebrate, almost every Meals on Wheels client across Australia will receive a placemat with their meal delivery.

“The Meals on Wheels service and volunteers across the Australia also provide an important community connection through calling at homes each day to provide a cheery welcome, daily contact and check that each valued client is “safe & well”, hence our national theme…‘More than just a meal’” he said.

While the tradition and values of Meals on Wheels remain true to its’ origins, a focus on engaging people of all ages from all walks of life is unfolding and bringing renewed energy, ideas and vision to help the organisation continue to provide a vital service. The multicultural nature of society is echoed in the food, faces and friendships that typify Meals on Wheels across the nation.

The economic value of the Meals on Wheels service 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. People can self-refer to Meals on Wheels if they believe they may benefit from the service or they can be referred, for example by a health practitioner or family member.

Meals on Wheels in Greater Shepparton has over 250 volunteers, however is always looking for new volunteers to contribute just a few hours a fortnight.

If you wish to volunteer or know someone who might need our service, please phone Greater Shepparton City Council on 5832 9700.