The 60th anniversary of Meals on Wheels in Tasmania is a milestone event and an opportunity to thank the thousands of volunteers who have helped hundreds of thousands of Tasmanians.
Every year more than 1,500 volunteers deliver 175,000 meals to Tasmanians with a disability and the elderly, but the assistance goes far beyond a plate of food.
Meals on Wheels enables many Tasmanians to continue to live in their own home and the regular visits are a chance to see a friendly face and have a chat, which ensures the wellbeing of many.
Today also marks national Meals on Wheels Day, which recognises the significant contribution of the organisation and its clients, from those who drive the cars, make the meals or serve on the management committee.
As a Government, we are proud to support Meals on Wheels by providing more than $160,000 each year through the Home and Community Care program.
We have also ensured food security for vulnerable Tasmanians with more than $1.1 million in funding for the food relief sector over three year, including $200,000 a year for Foodbank, $75,000 for Secondbite and $25,000 for Produce to the People.
In addition, we are providing $180,000 to boost mobile food services over three years, and $100,000 for start-up cooperatives.
We recognise the crucial role that Meals on Wheels and emergency food relief providers play in providing food to thousands of Tasmanians from families to the elderly, children and the homeless.
I congratulate Meals on Wheels on their 60 years in Tasmania, and thank their volunteers for being the lifeblood of so many of our communities.