Three out of four older Australians did not have daily contact with their family during the pandemic and thousands are still experiencing loneliness and isolation.
Now Meals on Wheels NSW is asking Aussies to write messages to seniors, which their volunteers will deliver with meals as they check in on customers every day.
The message delivery service is part of the not-for-profit's Stop the Spread of Loneliness campaign.
The aim is to collect 20,000 kind and thoughtful messages - from inspirational missives to jokes - to let Meals on Wheels clients know they are not alone.
Meals on Wheels chief executive, Les MacDonald, said COVID-19 put social isolation and loneliness in the spotlight, with many older Australians not having daily contact with their family during the pandemic.
"Meals on Wheels 'check in' with thousands of clients daily, and we may be the only point of contact many of these clients would see or speak to in any given week," he said.
"What many may not realise is that Meals on Wheels organisations have been reducing social isolation and loneliness in local communities for over 60 years.
"At Meals on Wheels, we pride ourselves on being 'more than just a meal' and deliver our meals with a serving of social interaction, friendship and genuine care."
Whether it's a nutritious meal delivery, a chat through the flyscreen door or sharing a cuppa the organisation's focus is supporting those who may be experiencing isolation or loneliness.
In her message, Cassandra writes: You are never really alone. There is always someone who cares for you. I hope that you remember how important and loved you are!
Jokes are also welcome, like this one from Jourdan: Knock knock. Who's there? Nobel. Nobel who? Nobel, that's why I knocked. Hopefully that bought a little smile to your face, my name is Jourdan and I just wanted to say hi and I hope you're having a good day today.
To leave your message, or to see messages others are sharing, visit helpstopthespread.org.au