Meals on Wheels WA Faces Critical Closure

For thousands of vulnerable Western Australians, the knock on the door from a Meals on Wheels WA volunteer is more than just a meal delivery – it’s a lifeline. But this essential service is now at a breaking point. Without immediate financial support, Meals on Wheels WA may be forced to close its doors, leaving our elderly and frail community members without the basic essentials of nutritious food and human connection.

A Lifeline in Crisis

Meals on Wheels WA, alongside its local service providers, has been a cornerstone of community care for decades. In 2021 alone, over 350,000 meals were delivered across WA under the Commonwealth Home Support Program. Yet, the situation is becoming dire. Without $50,000 in funding over the next six months and $250,000 for ongoing operations, thousands of Western Australians may lose this vital service.

Approximately 15% of meal providers nationally are on the verge of closing their books, leading to waitlists for elderly clients in desperate need of daily nourishment. One WA service provider has already had to make this heart-wrenching decision.

Late last year, one of WA’s largest providers scaled back its service area due to overwhelming demand, displacing around 600 elderly clients. Chorus, WA’s largest Meals on Wheels provider, is now facing the loss of their kitchen in Melville at the end of this year, jeopardising the 8,000 meals they deliver each month.

The Hidden Cost of Loneliness

Meals on Wheels WA is more than just a meal delivery service. It provides essential social connections to many who would otherwise be completely isolated. According to a study by Huber Social, 80% of Meals on Wheels clients have no other meaningful social contact. Loneliness has been linked to severe health issues, including premature death, mental illness, and the development of dementia. Living alone and not being in a relationship with a partner are substantial risk factors for both social isolation and loneliness.

The same study reveals that customers who received visits of two minutes or more had 3% higher well-being than those whose visits were less than two minutes. The absence of this service would not just mean fewer meals but a profound impact on the mental and emotional well-being of our most vulnerable community members.

The Power of Volunteers

Meals on Wheels WA’s impact extends beyond the recipients. The 1,800-2,000 volunteers across WA find meaning and fulfilment in their work, making new friends, learning new skills, and contributing to their local community. These volunteers are often unsung heroes, discovering when a client has had a fall or health episode and taking immediate action.

Paul Sadler, chair of Meals on Wheels Australia, says Meals on Wheels has and always will be “more than a meal,” going deeper to combat 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 says.

“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.”

Call for Community Support

Meals on Wheels WA urgently needs your help. Without the necessary funding, the organisation may be forced to close, with its advocacy and support services outsourced to a less-connected peak body in another state. The community’s support is essential to ensure that Meals on Wheels WA can continue its vital work.

What Can You Do to Help Meals on Wheels WA?

• Donate Now: Your donation can make a difference. All donations over $2 are tax deductible and can be made at mealsonwheelswa.org.au
• Volunteer: Join your local Meals on Wheels service provider. Find a list of providers on the Meals on Wheels WA website.
• Get Involved: Individuals with executive-level experience are encouraged to join our State committee. Expertise in areas such as strategic and risk management, business and stakeholder liaison, and advocacy is especially needed. Interested individuals can email [email protected]

For over 70 years, Meals on Wheels has been more than just a meal provider. It’s been a beacon of hope and connection for those who need it most. We cannot afford to let this essential service disappear.

Meals on Wheels WA Important Links

• Donations: www.mealsonwheelswa.org.au/get-involved/donate/
• Volunteer: www.mealsonwheelswa.org.au/get-involved/volunteer/
• Find Your Local Service: www.mealsonwheelswa.org.au/get-support/find-your-local-service/
• Receive Meals: www.mealsonwheelswa.org.au/get-support/meals/