The Innovation Awards celebrate and recognise creative ideas, programs and partnerships that extend the impact of Meals on Wheels beyond meal delivery. The 2026 theme is “Innovation Beyond the Meal,” recognising projects which embody the More Than Just a Meal TM philosophy and make a meaningful difference to clients, volunteers and/or communities.

About the Shopping Service 

The Shopping Service provides practical support to older people who are finding grocery shopping difficult but want to remain independent at home. 

Clients provide a shopping list over the phone, and Randwick Meals on Wheels staff completes the shop and delivers them to their door for a $5 fee. Where needed, the shopper can also help unpack and put groceries away. Importantly, the service provides an opportunity for a friendly check-in and connection, alongside practical support.

In 2026, Randwick Meals on Wheels recognised an opportunity to connect more older people with this valuable service. Through a targeted marketing and community engagement campaign, the team strengthened relationships with social workers, health professionals, community organisations and local media, creating new pathways for older people to access support.

Why it started

Many older Australians value their independence but can find everyday tasks, such as getting to the supermarket and carrying groceries, increasingly difficult. For people aged over 65 years, reduced mobility, limited transport options, fatigue or difficulty carrying bags can make grocery shopping stressful, and losing the ability to shop independently can have a significant impact on confidence, choice and wellbeing.

Jessica Hobson, Community Program Lead, says, “The service removes the stress of travel, heavy lifting and navigating busy supermarkets, while importantly preserving the client's choice and control over their everyday life – including what they eat, when they eat and the products they choose.”

And just like a regular Meals on Wheels delivery, the service offers something beyond practical assistance. Each visit provides an opportunity for conversation, connection and reassurance, helping clients feel supported and giving families greater peace of mind.

The difference it makes

The impact of the Shopping Service is reflected not only in its rapid growth of doubling participation in the first 12 weeks following the marketing and community engagement campaign, but in the experiences of the older people who rely on it.

It means no longer worrying about how they will get to the supermarket or carry their groceries home. Clients can maintaining familiar routines, enjoying their preferred foods and having someone they trust regularly check in

One client shared how the service has transformed their weekly routine:

“Shopping was becoming too hard for me to do due to some health issues and now I just ring my Meals on Wheels shopper on Mondays, give her my list, and she gets what I need and delivers it to me on Tuesday. She even helps me to put it all away. It’s brilliant!”

For another client, the support has made an even more profound difference:

“Rosemary does my shopping for me each week and is my guardian angel… She’s a lifesaver who’s helping me to continue living at home.”

The Shopping Service embodies the “More Than Just a Meal” philosophy by recognising that supporting older people to live well at home is about more than nutrition. It is about independence, dignity, choice, connection and the practical support people need to remain in control of their everyday lives.

About Randwick Meals on Wheels 

Randwick Meals on Wheels is a not-for-profit community organisation, dedicated to supporting the health, wellbeing and independence of older people across Randwick, Waverley and Bayside. Find out more by visiting their website.