Meals On Wheels: Nourishment, Care & Community

Supporting older Australians through Meals on Wheels

For more than 70 years, Meals on Wheels has been a lifeline for thousands of Australians. What began as a simple idea, delivering hot meals to those who could not easily cook for themselves, has grown into one of the most impactful community services in the country. Today, Meals on Wheels is more than just food delivery; it is care, connection, and reassurance delivered daily to those who need it most.

At Gourmet Meals, we deeply value the work Meals on Wheels does across Queensland and beyond. That’s why we proudly support this initiative by providing healthy, dietitian-designed meals that meet the nutritional needs of older adults, people recovering from illness, and those living independently with extra support.

Why Meals on Wheels matters

Meals on Wheels plays a vital role in:

• Supporting independence: Many older Australians want to remain in their homes for as long as possible. Having nutritious meals delivered helps make this possible.
• Improving health outcomes: Regular, balanced meals help prevent malnutrition, support recovery, and maintain energy.
• Offering social connection: A friendly knock on the door and a caring chat are often just as important as the meal itself.
• Peace of mind for families: Relatives know that their loved ones are checked on daily, even if they can’t always be there themselves.
• Meals on Wheels is more than a meal; it’s a reminder that no one in the community has to feel forgotten.

How Gourmet Meals supports the mission

Our menu has been specially designed with seniors’ health in mind. Every meal is portion-controlled, high in protein, and dietitian-approved to meet the needs of older Australians. With options catering to dietary requirements like gluten-free, low salt, or diabetic-friendly, Gourmet Meals makes it simple for Meals on Wheels services to deliver both variety and nutrition.

By partnering with Meals on Wheels providers, we ensure that recipients enjoy meals that are not just convenient, but also nourishing and delicious. In doing so, we help Meals on Wheels volunteers focus on what they do best, offering kindness, connection, and care.

Voices of gratitude: Testimonials from Meals on Wheels recipients

“A little kindness goes a long way” – Sandy’s story

“I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer when I was 68 and went through 12 months of radium and chemotherapy. Whilst I was recovering, everyday tasks felt like climbing mountains — especially cooking.

That’s when Meals on Wheels stepped in. Every day, a warm, nutritious meal would arrive at my doorstep, delivered with a smile and sometimes even a short chat that lifted my spirits more than they’ll ever know.

It wasn’t just about the food (though it was delicious!). It was about the care behind it. My husband had recently passed away, and the comfort of knowing someone was looking out for me was a blessing. Thanks to Meals on Wheels Sandgate, I could focus on healing — body, mind, and soul — without worrying about how I’d get through dinner.

I’m forever grateful, thank you.”

“Meals on Wheels gave Dad dignity and joy” – Carolyn’s story

“After Mum died, we had to rethink our plans for Dad, who was living with his grief and memory decline. Meals on Wheels was the first organisation we thought of.

The volunteers of Meals on Wheels Sunnybank Salisbury were so patient and caring for Dad that it still brings a tear to my eye. They would call if there was an issue, celebrate his birthday, and mark other key dates.

For Dad, every delivery was a special day, because it meant someone checked in on him when we couldn’t. Meals on Wheels has a special place in our hearts — and in the communities they serve.”

“I don’t just get meals; I get a community” – Lissa’s story

“After falling terribly ill in 2016 and later being admitted to hospital in 2023 with malnutrition, I was referred to Meals on Wheels Gin Gin.

This service gave me a happier, more supported life. The meals are good old home-cooked comfort food — very tasty. The coordinators are committed, and everyone is so nice to me.

I’ve found that I don’t just ‘get meals’ but instead have a community around me now. We chat, laugh, and support each other. After years of being on my own, this service has improved my life enormously. Wonderful service, I’m hugely grateful.”

How you can help

Meals on Wheels relies heavily on the generosity of donors and volunteers. By donating, you’re not just giving food, you’re giving independence, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.

At Gourmet Meals, we’re proud to support this mission in more ways than one. In addition to providing nourishing meals, we’ve recently donated to the Meals on Wheels Hardship Fund, ensuring that even the most vulnerable community members can continue receiving the support they need.

This October, we’re taking it a step further. To encourage even more support, donations made this month will be matched up to $3,000. That means every dollar you give goes twice as far in helping deliver meals, care, and connection to those who need it most.

Click here to donate to Meals on Wheels and double your impact today.

FAQs

Q: What is Meals on Wheels?

A: Meals on Wheels is a community service that delivers nutritious meals to older Australians, people living with disabilities, and those recovering from illness or surgery. It also provides valuable social contact through volunteer visits.

Q: Who benefits from Meals on Wheels?

A: The service supports seniors wishing to remain independent in their homes, people with limited mobility, and anyone needing extra support with nutrition and wellbeing. Families also benefit from the peace of mind that loved ones are checked in on daily.

Q: How does Gourmet Meals support Meals on Wheels?

A: Gourmet Meals provides dietitian-approved ready-made meals tailored to the nutritional needs of older Australians. By supplying Meals on Wheels providers, we help ensure every delivery is both wholesome and delicious.

Q: Why should I donate to Meals on Wheels?

A: Donations ensure that Meals on Wheels can continue delivering meals and care to those in need. In October, donations are even more impactful, as contributions will be matched up to $3,000, doubling the difference you make.

Q: Can I volunteer with Meals on Wheels?

A: Yes, volunteers are at the heart of Meals on Wheels. From delivering meals to checking in on clients, volunteering provides connection and support for the most vulnerable in our community. For more information on how to volunteer please click here.