9 September 2026

 

THE number of meals delivered in the last financial year has resulted on average of nearly 22,000 meals every month and more than 11,000 above the previous year, reflecting steady growth in demand for support that helps people remain in their own homes.

 

Every one of those meals was carried to the door by a volunteer. National Meals on Wheels Day recognises the volunteers and services that help older people and people living with disability stay independent at home. For many people on the Central Coast who live alone, the volunteer at the door is the only person they speak with that day.

 

The milestone was marked with a week of visits, as guests joined volunteers on their delivery runs. Taking part were Adam Crouch MP, Member for Terrigal, David Harris MP, Member for Wyong, Liesl Tesch MP, Member for Gosford, and David Mehan MP, Member for The Entrance, along with Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna and Central Coast Town Crier Stephen Clarke.

 

Local businesses also lent their support. BYD Tuggerah provided a chauffeur-driven car to take some of the special guests on their delivery runs, while By Adri’s Gingerbread owner Adriana Parncutt supplied more than 900 pieces of gingerbread for clients. These were delivered alongside meals from the organisation’s three outlets at Charmhaven, Tuggerah and West Gosford.

 

Meals on Wheels Central Coast CEO Neridah McLeod said the record was a credit to the organisation’s volunteers.

 

“262,746 is a record the whole organisation should be proud of, but the number only tells part of the story,” she said. “Behind those meals are more than 160 volunteers building genuine connections with our clients. It’s the familiar face at the door, the conversation and the simple act of checking in that makes Meals on Wheels about so much more than the meal.”

 

The service has supported Central Coast residents since 1967, now works with more than 3,000 clients across its services and is the second largest Meals on Wheels service in New South Wales. Meals on Wheels Central Coast provides more than just food. Each delivery offers reassurance, a welfare check and a moment of connection that helps clients feel safe and supported.

 

As demand continues to grow, the organisation remains focused on the same purpose it began with almost 60 years ago, helping people live a flourishing, independent life in the place they most want to be.

 

Meals on Wheels Central Coast welcomes enquiries from anyone who would like extra assistance at home through the meal delivery service.

 

For more information about Meals on Wheels Central Coast, please visit here or phone 02 4357 8444.