The silent health epidemic facing 40 per cent of older Aussies

Malnutrition is a silent health epidemic facing 40 per cent of older Australians.

To address this important issue, Meals on Wheels with the help of The Institute of Culinary Excellence has developed the Recipe Resource eBook.

“We are excited to launch the Recipe Resource eBook as a companion to the Meals on Wheels Australia National Meal Guidelines,” Meals on Wheels Australia president, Sharyn Broer said.

“Each recipe is tailored to the nutritional needs of older Australians and will be a valuable reference for meal services around the country.

“Thousands of Meals on Wheels volunteers will deliver contemporary food choices that are nutritionally balanced and great tasting, using recipes in the Recipe Resource.

“Sweet potato and carrot soup entrée, a choice of beef and vegetable casserole or oven baked chicken and vegetables, and apple and rhubarb crumble will be on the menu in many locations.”

Each year, more than 100,000 older Australians are supported to eat well by delivered meal programs such as Meals on Wheels.

The new recipes developed for the Recipe Resource provide even more variety and nourishment for Meals on Wheels consumers.

“Delivery of nutritious meals, social interaction and a friendly check of a client’s wellbeing by Meals on Wheels volunteers can help people live the lives they choose in the comfort of their own homes, where they are often happiest,” Ms Broer said.

“Meals on Wheels Australia is calling on the Australian Government to double its investment in meal support through the Commonwealth Home Support Program to make it simpler, fairer and more affordable for older Australians to receive meal services.

“This $80 million additional investment means older Australians would pay only for the cost of the ingredients used in their meals, making payments fair and affordable, regardless of which government funding program they are eligible to access or where they live.”

The Australian Government investment in meal services currently comprises just 3.6 per cent of the $2.4 billion Commonwealth Home Support Program budget.  

Consumer payments are, on average, one to two times as much as the government funding. 

5 comments

 

Wonderful..and just in time for National Meals on Wheels day (28th August).

Meet Pat..

Giving back: Pat Lovat at Garden Village.

Pat Lovat has been delivering Meals on Wheels at Garden Village in Port Macquarie for the last three years. This beautiful person is 84 years old lives at the village herself but cherishes her volunteer work delivering meals to residents.

https://www.portnews.com.au/story/6348973/meals-on-wheels-volunteering-food-for-thought/

Lovely story, thanks Sophie. Good on her.

:) Ditto RnR

Having tasted Meals on Wheels ..... hope itis a long time before I become dependent on them.... the salads are OK.

In my area they are absolutely delicious and varied.

I delivered for a time. M lae neighboir  had Meals on Wheels in prefernce for cooking for herself.  They were recomended fro a young man who was grieving for his late mother and not not looking after himself.  Meals On  Wheels are to be commended for  carinf for  all people with  phsical needs. Good on  tou Meals on Wheels

I delivered for a time. M lae neighboir  had Meals on Wheels in prefernce for cooking for herself.  They were recomended fro a young man who was grieving for his late mother and not not looking after himself.  Meals On  Wheels are to be commended for  carinf for  all people with  phsical needs. Good on  tou Meals on Wheels

Good story.  Very true as older folk lose the ability and will to get proper food and then cook it.

5 comments



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