City of Greater Geelong councillors have awarded a contract to Choice Fresh Meals to deliver its Meals on Wheels service.
The service currently provides more than 1000 meals a week to senior residents and people with disabilities and their carers.
At last week’s council meeting, councillors endorsed a recommendation to award a two-year contract to Choice Fresh Meals at a cost of around $1.95 million, with 95 per cent of the cost subsidised by the state and federal governments.
The current contractor, Community Chef, did not bid for the tender to continue the providing the service.
An evaluation of the two tenders received recommended Choice Fresh be awarded the tender based on its ability to provide a quality service to customers.
The new service will include the delivery of meals.
As part of the tender process, Choice Fresh Meals has also made a commitment to create jobs locally and the emphasis on welfare checks and community connection will continue.
Deputy mayor Trent Sullivan thanked all the staff and volunteers who had packed and delivered meals over many years.
“We’re proud to have delivered more than 53,000 meals to frail older people, younger people with a disability and their carers in 2020-21,” he said.
“Our heartfelt thanks go out to all the incredible staff and volunteers who have delivered meals, care and connection to thousands of people across our community.”
The City is looking at ways to publicly recognise their service and dedication while also providing opportunities for volunteers to continue their service to the community.
Community health and aged care portfolio chair Sarah Mansfield said the service could not run without the support of volunteers who had given back to the community over many years.
“The volunteers have played a critical role by supporting senior residents and adults with disabilities to live in their homes independently for as long as possible,” Cr Mansfield said.
“There was an increase in the take-up of this service during lockdowns when clients and their families were often unable to be together
“Thank you for making a difference to the lives of vulnerable residents in our community and being a source of genuine connection to them.”
