This morning, as part of National Volunteers Week, I was invited to accompany one of Maroondah’s volunteers and participate in the council’s Meals on Wheels program.

Meals on Wheels began in Great Britain during World War II to provide meals to citizens who lost their homes during the Blitz of 1939. In Australia, the program began in 1952, by Doris Taylor who delivering warm meals on her tricycle in South Melbourne.

Within Victoria, Meals on Wheels are organised by local councils and delivered by volunteers who provide home-delivered meals to people who have difficulty preparing their own meals.

Maroondah is fortunate to have a strong volunteering community who deliver Meals on Wheels, through centres in Croydon and Ringwood. Volunteers often deliver the meals in pairs, with one person driving and the other assisting with the preparation and delivery of meals.

On today’s run I accompanied a Meals on Wheels volunteer driver and we delivered approximately a dozen meals within the Ringwood, Heathmont and Ringwood East areas.

Meals on Wheels is more than just providing food, it is also provides social interaction for the participants, as well as making sure that their overall health and wellbeing is being monitored. Should a participant be unwell, the volunteer will mention this to council who can provide further assistance if it is required.

Meals on Wheels is one of the vital services provided by our many volunteers and I thank the service for the time I was able to spend with them delivering meals within the municipality.

For more information on volunteering for Meals on Wheels within Maroondah please contact 9298 4569.