Meals on Wheels posts, 9000 volunteers gone

One of Queensland’s primary charities has reported a loss in revenue and has been decimated by the loss of nearly 10,000 volunteers.

Opposition volunteering spokeswoman Ann Leahy

One of Queensland’s primary charities has reported a loss in revenue and been decimated by the loss of thousands of volunteers despite being busier than ever.

In its latest annual report the Queensland branch of Meals on Wheels reported the significant losses as demand for services, particularly by those aged under 65, increases.

According to Queensland branch CEO Evan Hill Meals on Wheels has lost 9000 volunteers since Covid.

In the 2018-19 financial year the charity boasted 15,000 volunteers. Last financial year only 6000 remained.

“Meals on Wheels has seen a steady decrease in volunteers,” Mr Hill said.

“At the same time Meals on Wheels has increased our delivered meals and welfare checks across Queensland from two million per annum to 2.7 million per annum over the past three years.

“The cost-of-living crisis is translating to an increase in people reaching out to Meals on Wheels.”

Not only has Meals on Wheels recorded a considerable increase in the number of inquiries for support, but according to Mr Hill a large portion of the calls for help are coming from people under 65.

“Providers from Port Douglas down to Palm Beach are reporting more inquiries for support from people under the age of 65,” he said.

“This trend is being felt across the entire community service sector.

“We know there is a real problem at the checkout and we need to see real action.”

Mr Hill said the charity continued to work hard to combat inflationary pressures around the state.

“All our providers continue to ensure the community can continue to access affordable and quality meals, all the while meeting greater demand in the face of rising costs,” he said.

Volunteering Queensland CEO Mara Basanovic said the decline in volunteers and an increase in people requiring services was a direct consequence of the cost of living crisis.

“The increasing cost of living is undoubtedly a significant factor in reducing the number of people who have the time or capacity to volunteer as they instead require more employment to make up for an income deficit or simply don’t have the disposable income to support volunteering,” she said.

“The government is yet to adequately acknowledge the charity sector is operated mostly by volunteer staff.

“Ensuring Queensland’s volunteer workforce, which is the same size if not larger than our private sector, is well funded, managed and trained to provide services has been largely ignored.”

Opposition volunteering spokeswoman Ann Leahy said: “Volunteering is the lifeblood of our communities, but when Queenslanders are forced to take on second jobs to make ends meet, community organisations pay a high price.”

“Meals on Wheels Queensland did not record a $3M loss. The reduction in revenue in Financial Year 2023 reflects that revenue for Meals on Wheels Queensland has returned to pre-Covid-19 levels as the grant funding for the Covid-19 Emergency ceased on 30 June 2022,” Mr Hill said.