Community & Business
23 March, 2024
Still going strong
STILL going strong, the Atherton District Meals on Wheels delivers to 130 clients, three times per week – Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays.
Their area covers from Walkamin in the north, then south covering all areas as far as Malanda, Yungaburra to the east, through to Herberton in the west – plus all areas in between, namely Tolga, Rangeview, Kairi, Tinaroo, Lake Eacham, plus four individual delivery runs in Atherton.
One of the runs covers a distance of 83km.
There are a number of permanent staff including one part time chef, one part time assistant chef, two part time office staff.
Atherton District Meals on Wheels president Geoff Jensen said they were still supported by the Atherton Lions Club.
“In recent times, they funded a new motor vehicle for our meal deliveries, a new clothes dryer, plus donating the profits of their monthly meat tray raffle once per annum,” Mr Jensen said.
Atherton MoW currently has 10 volunteers assisting in the kitchen with meal preparation on Mondays, Wednesdays, Friday and about 50 drivers/deliverers of the meals to the clients.
“Our deliverers find time to have a friendly chat with each client. We have volunteers who have been assisting us for many years. Our longest serving volunteer driver/deliverer has been with us continually since 1988 – 36 years of service,” Mr Jensen said.
During the past 50 years the order numbers have grown significantly, particularly in recent years.
“Each week now our Atherton kitchen prepares an average of 450 meal packages delivered to our clients – consisting of approximately 140 hot soups with fresh bread roll, 160 freshly made sandwiches, 450 main meals, cooked fresh each day, then chilled for delivery, and 300 desserts.”
Mr Jensen said they also delivered in advance menus for their clients to select meals to their liking.
All meals are prepared on-site from scratch and offer significant variety during the seasons. They also cater for a variety of dietary requirements, including gluten free, diabetic, low salt/sugar/fat.
“We do carry a supply of frozen meals (see menu), should our clients prefer one or more of those main meals.”
Mr Jensen said they were thankful for the wide-ranging support Atherton District MoW received from the Tableland business community, Costa Bananas, Tolga Bakery, plus produce from local farmers, and many local identities who make cash donations throughout the year.
How to order and who to contact?
Meals on Wheels Atherton District
P: 4091 1686
E: athmow@bigpond.com
To arrange a meal service for yourself or someone you care for, call the office on 4091 1686 between 8.30am-1pm on Monday, Wednesday or Friday to make the arrangements.
The staff will gather relevant information to arrange your meal service, including any dietary requirements. A time of delivery will be advised as well as how to pay for the service. The service will be explained, how to change or update it, cancelling it or making a complaint/giving feedback.
