City of Greater Geelong Councillors have awarded a contract to Choice Fresh Meals to deliver its Meals on Wheels Service.

The service currently provides more than 1 000 meals a week to senior residents and people with disabilities and their carers. 

Last night Councillors endorsed a recommendation to award a two-year contract to Choice Fresh Meals at a cost of approximately $1.95 million with 95 per cent of the cost subsidised by the Victorian and Australian Governments.

The current contractor Community Chef did not bid for the tender. An evaluation of the two tenders recommended Choice Fresh be awarded the tender based on its ability to provide a quality service to customers including a range of nutritious and fresh meals suited to a variety of cultural and dietary requirements.

The new service will include the delivery of meals. Choice Fresh Meals has also made a commitment to create jobs locally. Importantly the emphasis on welfare checks and community connection will continue.

The City is looking at ways to publicly recognise their service and dedication while also providing opportunities for volunteers to continue their service to our community.

A full and seamless service transition to the new contractor will be completed to minimise any impacts on clients.

For information on the service visit Delivered Meals. 

Acting Mayor Trent Sullivan

We’re proud to have delivered more than 53 000 meals to frail older people younger people with a disability and their carers in 2020-21. Our heartfelt thanks go out to all the incredible staff and volunteers who have delivered meals care and connection to thousands of people across our community.

Councillor Sarah Mansfield

The volunteers have played a critical role by supporting senior residents and adults with disabilities to live in their homes independently for as long as possible. There was an increase in the take-up of this service during lockdowns when clients and their families were often unable to be together.  Thank you for making a difference to the lives of vulnerable residents in our community and being a source of genuine connection to them.