MEALS on Wheels will keep on rolling in the community after the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Rosebud-based kitchen reached the end of its life. The current kitchen needs significant investment, but the council announced last week it would seek to partner with a “quality food service provider” experienced in producing meals that meet the stringent requirements of the aged care and health sector.
“Council has been delivering Meals on Wheels for almost 50 years. Outsourcing the preparation of meals will allow council to continue to be a Meals on Wheels provider without spending significant capital funds on upgrading infrastructure,” said mayor Cr Anthony Marsh.
“This service is highly valued by council and the community, and essential to residents experiencing vulnerability. I want to reassure our Meals on Wheels clients that the only change they will see is an increase in choice. “The meals they receive will be of the same high quality. The much-valued social connection with the volunteers who deliver the meals will remain unchanged.”
The decision will impact 14 shire staff who are currently involved in the preparation of meals for its 360 clients. “We have spoken with all affected staff and are working individually with them to ensure they receive the information and support they need,” the shire said.
It also noted it was their priority to ensure the service continued without interruption for older residents and the more than 100 dedicated volunteers who deliver their meals each week.
Marsh thanked the “selfless dedication, care and friendship” of volunteers which “is highly valued by both council and our residents”. A tender process for outsourcing meals will begin later this year.
First published in the Mornington News – 4 February 2025
