Published Tuesday, 23 December, 2008 at 11:06 AM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Extra support for Meals on Wheels: Minister
Communities and Disabilities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr has announced extra funding for Meals on Wheels to help ease the pressure – especially over Christmas and the New Year.
“Most household budgets are stretched at this time of year and Meals on Wheels organisations are feeling the pinch too, preparing and providing meals to approximately 10,000 Queenslanders every day,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“Run on the goodwill of volunteers throughout the State, these organisations provide an invaluable service to the frail aged, younger people with a disability and their carers,” she said.
“Every cent in savings will go a long way for the organisations.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said the Home and Community Care Program (HAAC) subsidy would be increased from $2.10 to $2.40 for every meal delivered to eligible Queenslanders – and the new rate would be backdated to July 1, 2008.
“With uncertain global economic times ahead, the Bligh Government is taking steps now to ensure vulnerable residents continue to receive the help they need in their homes and in their communities,” said the Minister.
“Meals on Wheels volunteers offer a simple but invaluable service — a meal and a friendly face.
“For those who live alone or find it difficult to prepare food for themselves, it is a lifeline.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said the extra 30 cents per meal subsidy would amount to a saving of some $645,000 over a calendar year, taking the total funding for the subsidy to over $5 million in 2008-09.
“The Meals or Wheels organisations do a tremendous job right around the State, and I would encourage Queenslanders to support this worthy organisation, especially to give some time and become a volunteer,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“Like every dollar, every hour helps.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said from 1 January, 2009, the Bligh Government will also provide one-off funding totalling $209,250 to Meals on Wheels organisations around the State to help cover increasing operational costs, including fuel costs incurred by volunteers.
The Home and Community Care Program is a joint Australian and State / Territory governments initiative.
Last year, the Federal and State Home and Community Care program allocated around $30 million to Meals on Wheels organisations for meal delivery services. This paid for 11 million meals.
Federal Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot said: “This is about the Australian and Queensland governments working in partnership to help older Queenslanders remain independent and in their homes.”
Meals on Wheels began some 55 years ago providing meals to eight people. Today it provides about 50,000 meals to people across the country.
The service now provides a greater choice with meals with some services offering up to eight different meals, and it caters for special dietary requirements. It also provides both fresh and frozen meal options for flexibility and easy cooking.
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s Office - 3235 4280
“Most household budgets are stretched at this time of year and Meals on Wheels organisations are feeling the pinch too, preparing and providing meals to approximately 10,000 Queenslanders every day,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“Run on the goodwill of volunteers throughout the State, these organisations provide an invaluable service to the frail aged, younger people with a disability and their carers,” she said.
“Every cent in savings will go a long way for the organisations.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said the Home and Community Care Program (HAAC) subsidy would be increased from $2.10 to $2.40 for every meal delivered to eligible Queenslanders – and the new rate would be backdated to July 1, 2008.
“With uncertain global economic times ahead, the Bligh Government is taking steps now to ensure vulnerable residents continue to receive the help they need in their homes and in their communities,” said the Minister.
“Meals on Wheels volunteers offer a simple but invaluable service — a meal and a friendly face.
“For those who live alone or find it difficult to prepare food for themselves, it is a lifeline.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said the extra 30 cents per meal subsidy would amount to a saving of some $645,000 over a calendar year, taking the total funding for the subsidy to over $5 million in 2008-09.
“The Meals or Wheels organisations do a tremendous job right around the State, and I would encourage Queenslanders to support this worthy organisation, especially to give some time and become a volunteer,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“Like every dollar, every hour helps.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said from 1 January, 2009, the Bligh Government will also provide one-off funding totalling $209,250 to Meals on Wheels organisations around the State to help cover increasing operational costs, including fuel costs incurred by volunteers.
The Home and Community Care Program is a joint Australian and State / Territory governments initiative.
Last year, the Federal and State Home and Community Care program allocated around $30 million to Meals on Wheels organisations for meal delivery services. This paid for 11 million meals.
Federal Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot said: “This is about the Australian and Queensland governments working in partnership to help older Queenslanders remain independent and in their homes.”
Meals on Wheels began some 55 years ago providing meals to eight people. Today it provides about 50,000 meals to people across the country.
The service now provides a greater choice with meals with some services offering up to eight different meals, and it caters for special dietary requirements. It also provides both fresh and frozen meal options for flexibility and easy cooking.
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s Office - 3235 4280