Goulburn's Meals on Wheels dishes up community service

Volunteers distribute the meals to about 59 eligible people Monday to Friday but also provide food for weekends.

President Michael Parsons sad the new line of 'My Chef' meals adopted last year was "going gangbusters." The service changed the line to provide more nutritious offerings.

READ MORE:

Goulburn's Meals on Wheels experiences increase in demand

Goulburn's Meals on Wheels branch receives Woolworths donation

"People love them," he said.

It includes 400 gram meals, including curried prawns, curried sausages, steak and kidney pie, shepherd's pie, Silverside, roast beef and more for $7.50. Dessert is included in the price.

Those with a smaller appetite can request $5 mini-meals. Six varieties of soup are also available for $3.50 each. Frozen meals are distributed for weekends.

ALSO READ: Man treated for serious injuries in Yarra car crash

Service manager Sharon Grummer said numbers utilising the service had increased by 10 per cent during the COVID-19 peak but were dropping off as more people recommenced shopping.

She and Mr Parsons believe other people may be eligible for Meals on Wheels but don't know how to access it.

It is available for those aged 65 and over, the frail, people with disabilities and their carers. Under recent changes, Aboriginal and Torris Strait Islanders only have to be 50 and over.

Meals on Wheels, a not-for-profit organisation, has been going for 55 years in Goulburn. Mr Parsons said he became involved after his mother helped out with the service.

ALSO READ: Turning 90: Benny Gianfelici reaches the milestone

Meetings used to be held at Brackley, the home later demolished to make way for the Civic Centre in Bourke Street, or at the Base Hospital. These days they are held at the Goulburn Workers Club.

Mrs Grummer has also been involved for many years.

"I love the old people and going out listening to them," she said.

The service is looking for more volunteers.

The Meals on Wheels office is located at 60 Clifford Street, beside the medical centre, and can be contacted on 4821 0997.

We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.