While meals can be delivered to suit each client's specific needs, this not-for-profit service is more than just a meal. As well as nutritional support, Meals on Wheels volunteers provide important social contact and are able to monitor a client's wellbeing, health and safety.
Chatting about local issues or discussing the latest book release may not be part of a volunteer's job description but these little things add up to a very big thing in a client's life – having someone share part of their day.
The community spirit that defines Meals on Wheels encompassing respect, care and camaraderie is shared between clients, volunteers and staff who keep the service running from cooks to drivers, co-ordinators, administrators to fundraisers.
Volunteers say they gain as much as the people they visit.