FAQs

Every effort is made to keep meals as affordable as possible, particularly as many of our customers are receiving support from a Government-funded program or experiencing food insecurity.

The most you will pay for a main meal in Tasmania is $10.60 per delivered meal. If you need further information, you can contact our office on 1800 696 325.

The majority of services across Tasmania offer soup, sandwiches, a choice of five main courses, including a salad and vegetarian option, dessert and fresh fruit. Some of the more remote areas such as Smithton, St Helens and Fingal are not able to offer multiple choices.

The frequency of meal delivery is based on your location, along with an assessment of your individual needs and support network. Some Meals on Wheels customers purchase meals short-term after an operation, medium term due to illness, or more long-term. You can receive meals two to three days a week, or five to seven days a week, depending on your needs and the delivery schedules of your local branch.

Meal delivery times vary from service to service. Most Meals on Wheels services deliver Monday to Friday (with weekend meals provided on the Friday).

Eligibility for subsidised meals will depend on your age and circumstances. Simply click here to view out pricing structure. 

Meals on Wheels services can be found in many communities around Tasmania. Where Meals on Wheels does not operate, a similar service is provided by Red Cross (Launceston area, West Coast and Burnie) Click here to find the contact details for the Meals on Wheels service operating near you.

Meals on Wheels is primarily funded by the Australian Government via the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), with a smaller percentage of funding coming from the Tasmanian Department of Health. To receive Meals on Wheels at a subsidised cost through the CHSP, you must contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to arrange an assessment. If you require the Meals on Wheels service urgently, your My Aged Care assessment can occur after the service has commenced.

The Home and Community Care Program for Younger People (HACCYP) is subsidised by the State Government. To receive the subsidised service for HACCPYP, you will need to contact Meals on Wheels on 1800 696 325.

Volunteering for Meals on Wheels is a rewarding experience and enables you to remain socially connected and engaged, while supporting vulnerable members of your community. Without the dedication and generosity of our volunteers and paid staff, our valuable work would not be possible.

Most volunteer roles with Meals on Wheels in Tasmania involve the delivering of meals. Local services are always on the look-out for new volunteers and staff members.

If you are interested in volunteering for Meals on Wheels, click here , or get in touch with us on 1800 MY MEAL (1800 696 325) or via volunteers@mowtas.org.au to discuss available opportunities today.

As a Meals on Wheels volunteer, you will help to  deliver meals to our customers in your own car (or some branches do provide a vehicle), or act as a delivery partner with someone else. We may sometimes also require some help with general office duties which also provides another avenue for volunteering.

After your application has been processed, new volunteers receive an induction and relevant training at their local service and other volunteers are often happy to share their experience and advice. You will make new friends, learn new skills and grow in confidence. There may be some challenging moments on your volunteer journey, but it is important to remember your involvement is making a real difference, every day.

Many Meals on Wheels services and communities hold social events to recognise the valuable contribution of volunteers.  

Meals on Wheels Tasmania is the peak state body, representing the community of grassroots services across Tasmania dedicated to the wellbeing, connection and independence of our most vulnerable.

We play an important role in developing and sharing best practice between the member services, along with promoting and raising awareness of Meals on Wheels and the customers we serve.

We offer a single point of contact between Meals on Wheels services, policy-makers, funders, regulators and other key stakeholders.

If you wish to provide feedback (either negative or positive) about your local service, we suggest you contact them directly. You can also contact us at Meals on Wheels Tasmania for advice, as we take any complaints or concerns very seriously. It’s also helpful to hear about your positive experiences. You may also like to view the Meals on Wheels Best Practice Guidelines here.

If you are unsatisfied with the responses you receive, you can write a letter to your local Mayor, MP or counsellors.

If you require an advocate to speak on your behalf you can use family or friends, or an advocacy service such as Office of the Public Advocate (1300 309 337), or National Aged Care Advocacy Line (1800 700 600).