The City of Greater Geelong is making some changes to our Meals on Wheels service - moving from our current caterer Community Chef to our new provider Choice Fresh Meals.
The new service will include delivery which means meals will no longer be delivered by volunteers.
We understand this may cause some concern and even sadness but we want to reassure everyone that community connection will remain an important part of the service. We know that Meals on Wheels is about much more than just food delivery and we never want that to change.
Meals will still be delivered door-to-door by local people who will have a chat get to know clients and look out for their wellbeing.
COVID-19 has changed so many things including our ability to attract and retain volunteers in public-facing positions. The number of volunteers delivering meals has halved since the pandemic began and this was one of the many factors we needed to consider.
This change is about making sure Meals on Wheels is sustainable over the long term and delivers the best quality services possible including a range of nutritious and fresh meals suited to a variety of cultural and dietary requirements.
The changes will offer clients more choice and control over their meals new and quality food options fresh ingredients and an easy and flexible ordering process.
We are extremely thankful to all the staff and volunteers who have delivered meals with care and connection over many years.
They have given their time on behalf of the community and we are planning a public celebration to recognise their service. We will be in touch soon with details about this celebration.
Please read through the Questions and Answers below for more information.
Why are you making changes?
We value our Meals on Wheels Service so much that we want it to be sustainable over the long term while delivering the best quality services possible including a range of nutritious and fresh meals suited to a variety of cultural and dietary requirements.
The changes will offer clients more choice and control over their meals new and quality food options fresh ingredients and an easy and flexible ordering process. We know that meals on wheels is so much more than a meal and we want to deliver a better outcome for the clients.
When is it happening?
Choice Fresh Meals will begin deliveries in the week commencing Monday 2 May 2022. Until then our clients continue to receive meals in the usual way from our current caterer.
Did you have enough volunteers to continue the existing service?
COVID-19 has changed so many things including our ability to attract and retain volunteers in public-facing positions. The number of volunteers delivering meals has halved since the pandemic began and this was one of the many factors we needed to consider.
Are the drivers going to take the time to stop and have a chat?
Absolutely. Drivers will have time to stop and chat and get to know their regular clients. Community connection is so important to this service and it will continue.
What day or time will meals be delivered by Choice Fresh Meals?
Meals can be delivered on any or all of the following delivery days:
Geelong Clients: Monday Wednesday and Friday.
Bellarine Peninsula Clients: Tuesday and Thursday.
A friendly Choice staff member will discuss the options with each client and arrange a suitable delivery day and time
Im a client. Can I change my meal delivery day once the service has begun?
Absolutely. Just let the staff member delivering your meals know if you wish to change the day you receive delivery. You can also call Choice Fresh Meals on 1300 430 488.
For more information visit Delivered Meals.