Doubling of Meals on Wheels funding ‘massively welcome’, says Cork advocate 

A 100% increase in funding for the National Meals on Wheels Network has been announced, a move that an advocate for older people in Cork said is “massively welcomed”.

This increase means that for the 312 Meals on Wheels organisations in Ireland, funding will now go from over €3m in 2022 to over €6m.

The funding will go towards these organisations that deliver on average 239,000 meals to 19,000 people each month across the country.

“I am really pleased to announce the doubling of funding to our national network of Meals on Wheels organisations,” Minister for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler said. 

“As we know, the service is about much more than simply a hot, nutritious meal, and is a link to the community and a friendly and caring face each day.”

Since its establishment in 2015, the Meals on Wheels network has been an invaluable resource for older people in maintaining their health and independence through the provision of healthy meals.

“This service forms part of the triangle of supports of home care, day care and meals on wheels, including dementia-specific supports, which are a key factor in supporting older people to age well in their own homes and communities,” added Ms Butler. “This is why the funding allocation for these areas has increased every year since the formation of this Government.”

“Supporting the expansion and increased availability of this service has been a key focus for me since I took office, as it is my view that this service is one of the cornerstones of community supports,” she concluded.

Paddy O’Brien, an advocate for older people in Cork told The Echo that the decision to double the network’s funding is “massively welcomed”.

“I was involved with Meals on Wheels myself many years ago, and I know the joy it brings to people,” he said. “I get great reports back on the quality of the meals on wheels food, people love it.

“An increase of €3 million is honestly fantastic news,” he added. “I hope a good portion of the funding will come to Cork city and county. This means more people can benefit from this important service and those who volunteer to do it are great people.”

“Having meals delivered to your house gives elderly people independence, and that is vital today. It’s a great asset and comfort that people can wake in the morning and have food there for them,” Mr O’Brien said.