Much has changed since Meals on Wheels started in Sutherland Shire 50 years ago, but the foundations on which the service was built have never shifted.
The generosity of the volunteers, who underpin the work of what is now called Sutherland Food Services, was warmly praised during 50th anniversary celebrations.
Over the years, thousands of community-minded volunteers have delivered meals to the aged, infirm and other needy people in their homes, and often provided care in other ways.
Manager Susan Green said, “We could not run the service without the volunteers”.
Cronulla MP Mark Speakman told Parliament, “Their generosity makes a significant difference in many people's lives”.
Meals on Wheels was founded in South Australia in 1953, and spread to the shire in 1967, with meals prepared in Sutherland Hospital.
Sutherland Food Services, which was formed in 1997, operates from a demountable building within the hospital grounds.
Meals are no longer prepared on site, but, rather, provided by various suppliers, including some who employ people with disability as supported workers.
In the 1970’s, the service was incorporated and funded under the state government’s Home and Community Care Program.
It is now funded by the federal government.
Ms Green said the service “touched the lives” of about 300 people a year, with 45,000 meals provided last year.
At present, there are about 70 volunteers who, not only deliver meals but also monitor the health and well-being of residents and liaise with family members and carers .
Hot lunches and frozen meals from a wide ranging menu are provided across the shire.
Deliveries are made to Bundeena via the ferry, with a volunteer collecting them at the wharf.
Ms Green said the service carried a AAA food safety rating and provided a balanced portion controlled meal consisting of a protein and three vegs
“We have just introduced a Spice is Nice range for those who like something spicy,” she said.
“We also have breakfast and lunch packs.”
Mr Speakman said the importance of Meals on Wheels, not just to the service's recipients but to the community generally, could not be overstated.
He said a study had shown that helping to an older person to live independently in their own home saved taxpayers about $50,000 a year.
“But the value of Meals on Wheels to the community cannot be measured in numbers alone,” he said. “The social interaction is, for many people, more important than the meal itself.”