On National Meals on Wheels Day, Wednesday, 28 August, thousands of volunteers will serve up care, connection and camaraderie to Australians in need, a key ingredient of the iconic, essential service. 

For thousands of older Australians, a delicious, nutritious meal delivered to their door by a friendly volunteer not only keeps them well-nourished and able to live independently and well in their own home but also enables them to remain socially connected. 

While, for some 35,000 volunteers Australia-wide, Meals on Wheels provides a meaningful opportunity to make new friends, learn new skills and feel good about making a real and tangible difference in their local community. 

Chair of Meals on Wheels™ Australia, Paul Sadler highlighted that Meals on Wheels has and always will be “more than a meal”, going deeper in combating social isolation and malnutrition – two prevalent public health issues faced by older Australians. 

“The positive impact of Meals on Wheels goes beyond the delivery of the meal itself,” he said. 

“The dual benefit to both customer and volunteer truly shows how Meals on Wheels has been making a difference in almost every Australian community for over 70 years.” 

According to Sadler, National Meals on Wheels Day, which falls on the last Wednesday in August, is an opportunity to recognise the incredible and irreplaceable efforts of volunteers across the country, who without them, Meals on Wheels’ valuable work would not be possible. 

“We know there’s no community quite like the Meals on Wheels one – a hardworking and kind bunch always happy to work together towards a better future for older, vulnerable Australians.” 

Celebratory events are expected to be held across the country, as communities, customers, volunteers and Meals on Wheels staff come together to recognise the wonderful work they make possible with Meals on Wheels. 

Related: Consumer goods company commits $1 million in disinfectant products to Meals on Wheels