Meals on Wheels seeks funding increase to support service

Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay told guests at the Meals on Wheels annual general meeting and lunch in Armidale he would support an increase in funding for the organization.
He said the extra 50 cents a head subsidy being sought would still make the meals, served to around 80 clients a day in Armidale and Uralla, “the cheapest in town”.
“It’s a wonderful service that enables many people to live independently at home and the delivery is all conducted by willing volunteers,” he said.
“That makes it an excellent and cost efficient service for the community and the government and I am ready to take forward any submission to the government for the additional funding.”
The MP praised the 325 volunteers who are on the roster to collect the meals from the Armidale Hospital and deliver them each week day to the frail aged, people with disabilities and those in rehabilitation after hospital.
“It’s not just the meals, it’s the company and the conversation that the recipients appreciate,” he said.
“This is a truly valuable service and one on which the community depends.”
At the meeting Peter Garland was re-elected president, Ruth Blanch secretary and Richard Mills treasurer.