New contractor wins Meals on Wheels tender

MORE than 1,000 meals a week are being delivered to senior residents and people with disabilities and their carers across the City of Greater Geelong.

The city-administered Meals on Wheels service will have a new contractor from April, with Choice Fresh Meals winning the tender.

The nutritious, great tasting, convenient and affordable meals are provided at a low cost, as 95 per cent of the program is subsidised by the Victorian and federal governments, and delivered to the home by volunteers.

Each meal consists of a soup, a main with vegetables and a dessert, with a diverse range of menus catering for a variety of dietary or cultural preferences.

Menus change every four weeks and are updated with the season.

Incumbent contractor Community Chef did not bid for the $1.95 million tender, but the city said there would be a full and seamless service transition to the new contractor to minimise any effects on clients.

An evaluation of the two tenders by officers recommended Choice Fresh be awarded the tender based on its ability to provide a quality service to customers.

Choice Fresh Meals has also made a commitment to create jobs locally, and the emphasis on welfare checks and community connection will continue.

Councillors awarded the contract to Choice Fresh at their meeting earlier this month.

Geelong deputy mayor Trent Sullivan acknowledged all the staff and volunteers who had packed and delivered meals over many years.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

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

Chair of the community health and aged care portfolio Cr Sarah Mansfield thanked all the volunteers and staff who have given back to the community over many years.

“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,” she said.

“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.”