Meals on Wheels (Central Coast) volunteers.

4 September 2024

 

ORIGINALLY starting as 10 small services in the 1960s, Meals on Wheels Central Coast (MOWCC) has grown into a single, unified service that now covers the entire Central Coast – a region larger than Canberra - allowed volunteers to celebrate the importance of their service to the local community.

 

This year’s celebration, however, was particularly special, with several guests joining in to help deliver meals and spread joy to clients. Samantha, Renee, and Xavier from Home Instead Central Coast, Kym and Lachlan from Lexus of Central Coast and Worthington Motor Group, David Mehan MP, Natassia Smith from Central Coast Health & Wellbeing Living Lab, and Sophie Roberts from Central Coast Health Promotion Service were among those who assisted with meal deliveries. Their involvement brought smiles to MOWCC clients and added a unique touch to the day’s events.

 

MOWCC gave a special thank you  to Cakes By Kyla for their generous donation of delicious cupcakes, which were a delightful treat for our clients.

 

Member for Wyong, David Harris joined Meals on Wheels Central Coast volunteer driver Allan Wright to celebrate National Meals on Wheels Day.

 

"It was great to meet residents who appreciate healthy meals delivered to their door and hear that Meals on Wheels are a lifesaver,” said Mr Harris said.

 

"Just knowing someone will drop by to say hello boosts their health and happiness, and helps them to stay connected with their community.

 

"To mark this special day, the clients and volunteers are gifted a branded chiller bag, and the volunteers received a well-deserved appreciation award for their incredible contributions.

 

"The volunteers are doing a fantastic job giving their time and making that sincere connection."

 

"Delivery driver Mr Wright has been volunteering for Meals on Wheels for 10 years and I congratulate him for his service and the time given to the community in making a difference.”

 

To commemorate National Meals on Wheels Day, MOWCC clients and volunteers received branded chiller bags, and their volunteers were honoured with well-deserved appreciation awards in recognition of their incredible contributions. With over 1,000 clients, 180 volunteers, 18 staff members, and 9 board members, Meals on Wheels Central Coast continues to play a vital role in supporting the community by delivering more than 20,000 meals every month.

 

MOWCC services extend beyond meal delivery to include Community Restaurants, Assisted Shopping, and their Social Bus programme, all designed to help their clients live a comfortable, independent life.

 

In conjunction with the celebrations, Meals on Wheels Central Coast announced the launch of their new 2024-2025 menu. Recently mailed to nearly 2,000 clients, this new menu offers more thanr 145 meal options, blending new dishes with beloved favourites. The 2024-2025 menu features new serving sizes, common allergy icons such as garlic and onion, and an easy-to-follow Meal Heating Guide.

 

New meal options include Meatballs in Tomato Sauce, Chicken Scallopini, Hawaiian Chicken, Fish Cake with Parsley Sauce, Vegetable Curry, Savoury Beef Mince, Meatloaf & Gravy, and Garlic Prawns, ensuring there is something to suit everyone’s taste.

 

Neridah Morris, CEO of Meals on Wheels Central Coast, expressed her gratitude for the community's ongoing support and said, "National Meals on Wheels Day is a wonderful reminder of the incredible work our volunteers, staff, and board members do every day to support our clients.

 

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone involved – our clients for trusting us with their care, our volunteers for their tireless dedication, our staff for their unwavering commitment, and our board members for their strategic guidance. Together, we make a real difference in the lives of so many people across the Central Coast."

 

For more information about Meals on Wheels Central Coast, including details on eligibility or to explore their new menu, contact them on 02 4357 8444.

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