We have volunteers ranging from school age to retirees and from all kinds of backgrounds. Some people volunteer every day, others once a fortnight, or on an ad hoc basis around other commitments like work and family. We are grateful for all help with our deliveries and we can work around your needs.

We serve our customers in in different ways, which means there are lots of ways to volunteer. For example, for some clients, we deliver lunch from Monday to Friday between 11.30am and 1pm. For other clients, we deliver frozen meals once a week. We also offer a fortnightly shopping service for those who are housebound.

Meals on Wheels volunteers enjoy a social role that offers personal satisfaction and a strong connection to the local community. Our volunteers often remain with us for many years thanks to the strong relationships they build with customers and fellow volunteers.

Bankstown Meals on Wheels began in 1966 with 16 clients. Today, the service delivers around 36,000 meals a year.

We have more than 80 dedicated and caring volunteers who give their time to provide, not just a nourishing meal, but also friendly contact and a few laughs each day with clients. Without their support, Meals on Wheels would not be the essential supporting and caring service it is today.

The aim of the service is to provide our residents who are permanently, or in some cases temporarily, unable to cater for themselves and have no other reasonable or acceptable source of assistance.

Our service in no way undermines the independence and self-respect of the client.

The service is designed to assist the frail aged, and people with disability and their carers.

Referral may be made through My Aged Care and/or:

• Accredited assessing team;
• A hospital or any health service;
• Self;
• A medical practitioner.
• You can call the My Aged Care contact centre on 1800 200 422.

Following referral, all clients are assessed by Council's Food Services Team Leader to determine eligibility. Reassessment will take place when required.

Meals on Wheels can provide lunch Monday to Friday. Hot, chilled or frozen meals. We cater for special diets (puree, minced, low fat, vegetarian etc.). Copies of the menu can be provided upon request.

Our meals consist of main course (protein and vegetables), dessert and a fruit juice. Meals are delivered to the home by volunteer helpers Monday to Friday between 11.30am and 1pm.

Frozen meal service is delivered on a weekly basis, between 10am and 12pm, to those clients who are able to heat a meal themselves.

Clients pay a fee for meals provided.

Meals on Wheels works closely with other local community service providers in the area.