TODAY - August 31 - celebrates the amazing and ongoing efforts and dedication of some 75,000 Meals on Wheels volunteers across Australia.
The day celebrates under the overarching theme of Meals on Wheels - More than just a meal, we're actually three services in one.
Australian Meals on Wheels president Nelson Mathews said thousands of customers and volunteers had come to understand that:
We Nourish - a meal delivered to your door.
We Care - a safety and wellbeing check.
We Strengthen Communities - a service that brings people together.
"It is this third service element, We Strengthen Communities, which receives the least attention," Mr Mathews said.
"Today, like most weekdays across the nation, local communities will provide volunteers to knock on 37,000 doors and deliver a meal with a smile and check that customers are safe and well.
"Indeed, over the past year, volunteers - spread across some 600 metropolitan, regional and rural branch community networks - have prepared and delivered over nine million nourishing meals to more than 120,000 Australians in need of a little bit of support."
Mr Mathews said volunteers did not just prepare and deliver meals.
"They nourish, strengthen and care for communities by delivering delicious and nutritious ready-to-eat meals, providing important social contact to people who may be isolated and lonely, as well as monitoring the physical and psychological wellbeing of those most vulnerable.
"They also build strong relationships with clients and their volunteer teams at their local MoW service or branch - and research shows this is good for volunteers, with identifiable benefits in their own wellbeing."
Mr Mathews said anyone who has had to live alone at any stage of life would know finding the motivation to cook well-rounded nutritious meals was difficult.
"If people have adequate nutrition they remain active and involved," he said.
"It's all connected. Physical and emotional wellbeing is integral for maintaining good health.
"Living at home independently for as long as possible is precious."
Mr Mathews also used National Meals on Wheels Day to call for more volunteers to join teams across Australia.