29 August 2017 – Media Release
National Meals on Wheels Day will be held on Wednesday 30 August to recognise the contribution of local volunteers. In NSW the day has added significance as this year marks sixty years since the delivery of the first meal from the Sydney Town Hall in 1957.
Cumberland Council delivers a Meals on Wheels service, which is coordinated by Council’s Nutrition Services Team. Each week the service delivers almost 500 nutritious and culturally appropriate meals to vulnerable or isolated residents. In doing so it enables people to live longer in their homes, where they are most happy and can maintain their independence.
Cumberland Council Interim General Manager Malcolm Ryan used the occasion to thank volunteers for their tireless work delivering meals, week-in and week-out.
“The Cumberland area has a proud tradition of local residents rolling up their sleeves and helping each other out,” Mr Ryan said.
“Meals on Wheels provide hot meals cooked fresh daily and caters for the dietary requirements of residents, including what people like and dislike.
“This is about so much more than food. Each visit gives people the opportunity to ask for help, connect with additional services and access the wider community.
“All the research suggests that a sense of community and connection is vital for good health and social outcomes. This is something our volunteers provide.
“The Meals on Wheels Service shows that decreasing mobility, aging or disability does not have to sever a person’s ties with the local community.
“Over the course of the last year Council’s Nutrition Services delivered 41,650 meals across Cumberland.
“This would not be possible without the contribution of local volunteers,” Mr Ryan said.
For more information about Cumberland Nutrition Services please contact our staff on 9840 9944 or 9840 9945.
