Riverina MP and Deputy Prime Minister Michael Mc- Cormack with Forbes Meals on Wheels Chief Coordinator Sheryl Garner.
Senior Australians across the region will benefit from the latest announcement from the Federal Government, Riverina MP and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack. Meals on Wheels and similar services will be reinforced and prioritised as senior residents are urged to adhere to COVID-19 restrictions and stay at their homes.
Michael said this $59.3 million measure was an important step to ensure some of our most vulnerable residents receive the support they need. “I cannot stress how important it is for our older residents to stay home as this crisis continues to unfold. The Federal Government is acutely aware of what this means which is why we have made this announcement today,” said Michael.
The funding will mean the provision of more prepared meals, food staples and essential daily items are available to those members of the community who need them the most. In total, $50 million will fund 3.4 million meals for 41,000 people for six weeks – the equivalent of two meals a day.
To date, the Government’s total support for the economy during this crisis totals $320 billion or 16.4 per cent of GDP.
The latest targeted package of support will:
• Prioritise home delivery for senior Australians registered with My Aged Care, ensuring direct access to grocery suppliers via online and phone ordering
• Ensure the availability of prepared meals and essentials services, with an extra $50 million to support aged care providers, and with more flexibility for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
• Work with supermarkets and commercial providers – that have been supporting airlines and the entertainment industry and now have spare capacity- to support Meals on Wheels services.
Senior Australians who are isolated and do not have access to the internet, will be able to call the My Aged Care contact centre on 1800 200 422 for access to basic food and necessities.