Funding boost for meal providers during National Volunteering Week

There are 571 meal providers funded by the Australian Government in 2020-21 who deliver 11.5 million meals across Australia. These meals under the CHSP ensure food security and nutritional and social benefits for older Australians. Currently, providers are receiving $4.90 from the Government per meal.

The Federal Government will be increasing the minimum meals unit price by $2.60 to $7.50 per meal to help aged care providers deliver meals to older Australians receiving support at home. This change will be implemented over the 2021-22 year.

Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, says the funding will be a significant step forward to support the efforts of food providers to meet the nutritional needs of an increasing number of older Australians.

“This vital measure puts the health and wellbeing of older Australians first, while strengthening the viability of meal providers across the country,” says Minister Colbeck.

Minister Colbeck acknowledged the hard work of volunteers across the aged care sector for this year’s National Volunteer Week – for those who care for their older loved ones at home to those who give their time to ensure older Australians receive good food and nutrition.

“Volunteers are the backbone of Australia, but across the aged care sector, each and every day there are remarkable examples from people who put the needs of others ahead of their own,” says Minister Colbeck.

“These people are ultimately providing an important mechanism for older Australians to stay connected, healthy and happy.

“Thank you to the hundreds of thousands of people [who] volunteer their time to improve the lives of others.”