Sunassist on the hunt for a new meals on wheels supplier

Mildura volunteer agency Sunassist is seeking a new supplier for its meals on wheel program after the previous supplier decided to pull out.

A crucial lifeline for Mildura’s elderly and disabled community could be in jeopardy – unless a generous donor steps up to the plate.

Volunteer group Sunassist has supplied the frail and incapacitated with meals and human connection for nearly 60 years.

Recently, Sunassist has received its food from Oasis Aged Care, but that arrangement will come to a conclusion due to a “change in direction” by the latter organisation, Sunassist executive officer Richard Garlick told the Herald Sun.

Local volunteer group Sunassist is seeking a new supplier for its meals on wheels program. Picture: Sunassist

But he said Oasis had been understanding and offered to keep supplying Sunassist until it found a new supplier.

“Oasis Aged Care has been fantastic,” Mr Garlick said.

“They haven’t given us a cut-off date and they said they would work with a new a provider to ensure a smooth transition.

“Our original plan was to have a new food provider finalised prior to Christmas and then work with Oasis through January and have someone new in place by February,” Mr Garlick said.

“Obviously those timelines have been pushed back.”

Mr Garlick said that Sunassist was happy to work with any prospective provider.

“In the past, [food has been] provided by everyone from local restaurants to Mildura Base Hospital,” he said.

“We are willing to work with anyone who prepared to give it a go.”

Meals on Wheels goes deeper than just delivering food to the elderly, Mr Garlick said, adding that in some cases, it was the only human contact customers had with another person all week.

“For many people, it’s the only contact the clients have for a number of days,” he said.

“In those cases, the food delivery aspect is almost secondary.”

Oasis Aged Care has been contacted for comment.