Meals on Wheels calls for more delivery volunteers amid coronavirus pandemic

In South Australia, the state's largest community-based volunteer organisation, Meals on Wheels SA, is calling for healthy volunteers.

"Meals on Wheels is a vital community service, particularly in times like these," Meals on Wheels SA chief executive Sharyn Broer said.

"We have continued food supply but we're seeking more volunteers to help us deliver meals to those in need.

"We expect to see an increase in demand for our meal deliveries and wellbeing checks as the COVID-19 situation evolves.

"Our state has a strong community spirit and this is an opportunity for people to help out their fellow South Australians in need.

"Our volunteers are already doing an amazing job but we need more help, particularly from the younger generation.

"If you have a car and a couple of hours free a week or fortnight you can make a real difference to people's lives."

To register as a volunteer with Meals on Wheels SA go to www.mealsonwheelssa.org.au or call 1800 854 453.

Meals on Wheels NSW is also calling for more volunteers across the state, with calls from customers concerned about their deliveries on the rise.

"We are receiving a large amount of calls around the state," said Meals on Wheels NSW spokesperson Claudia Odello. "Rest assured, if you are a Meals on Wheels client, you will continue to receive your meals."

She said Meals on Wheels NSW is at the heart of local communities and we will continue to deliver meals to elderly and the most vulnerable in the community.

"Meals on Wheels processes are rapidly changing in order to reduce the potential spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and ensure we can continue to deliver meals to the most vulnerable in our community. We are following advice from the health authorities, recognising that older people may be more at risk.

"All volunteers and staff are following our standard food safety procedures, good hand hygiene, and as an extra precaution are using hand sanitising gel between each home they visit.

"We have also asked our volunteers social distancing recommendations (where possible) when delivering meals. In some cases, Meals on Wheels volunteers will leave meals at the front door on a bench or chair that has been placed there for them.

"They will wait for the client to open the door and collect the meal prior to leaving. Where clients are unable to go to the door, other arrangements are being made directly with the client.

"We are also utilising volunteers to call Meals on Wheels clients to have a chat and check in on them."

To express interest in NSW complete an volunteer online form HERE

Meals on Wheels Queensland is also putting the call out to anyone who would like to support their community by getting meals out to the elderly and vulnerable. Visit QMOW.ORG and click Find Us, or call 1300 90 97 90.

Meanwhile in Victoria, Bendigo Foodshare is seeking more helpers to see it through the COVID-19 crisis.

Manager Bridget Bentley said the service had seen an increase in the need for food and essential items from people who had been unable to buy items for themselves or their family from supermarkets or shops.

"As this pandemic continues and containment measures are put into place, we expect the need for our volunteer-run service to grow even further," Ms Bentley said.

"At the same time, we know over the coming weeks and months, many people who regularly volunteer may not be able to - especially if they're being advised to stay at home.

"We're asking healthy community members to consider helping the less fortunate during this unprecedented time by volunteering their time or services with our organisation."

Volunteer opportunities range from cooking meals for those unable to leave their homes to warehouse sorting of fresh produce.

There are opportunities to get involved in project managing, fundraising, fruit picking, food rescuing, being a food rescue driver, and collecting food from food drive groups - and more.

"Volunteering doesn't need to be arduous, it can be a few hours here and there or something larger, depending on the person's availability, health and fitness and skills," Ms Bentley said.

"Many tasks can even be done from your own home, provided you have a computer and an internet connection."

Bendigo Foodshare has been recognised as an essential service and will continue its work to support people needing emergency food relief.

It is continuing to supply staple pantry items and fresh produce to 90 charities, community organisations and schools, which are considered essential services in relation to food relief, to distribute to their communities.

Bendigo Foodshare said it had made changes to its practices and procedures based on the best practice and advice from government and relevant authorities and was monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely.