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Every day the Stanthorpe Hospital kitchen staff are busy cooking up a storm, not only for patients, but the wider community.
Since the early 1990’s, the hospital has been giving back to the community, providing meals five days a week for the local Meals on Wheels service.
Meals on Wheels Coordinator, Kristy Gillman said the service is vital to the Stanthorpe community.
“On average, our volunteers help us distribute up to 45 meals per day.
“While we are primarily a meal delivery service, we also double as a daily wellness check which assists with keeping people in their homes. Our volunteers often provide feedback to us if a person they’re delivering meals to isn’t looking too well, this allows us to then follow up with their contact person and ensure they’re receiving the care they need.
“We’re grateful for the continued support of Stanthorpe Hospital, as some Meals on Wheels programs close because they don’t have access to a kitchen and cook for a reasonable cost,”
Meals on Wheels Coordinator, Kristy Gillman
Stanthorpe Hospital Cook, Leanné Van der Merwe said plating up a balanced meal is key, particularly for older community members.
“Meals on Wheels is giving people access to good nutritional food. We make sure that there’s five vegetables in their meal, a protein source and a sweet. They get a very balanced meal each day which is important for older people.
“We provide a meat meal, vegetarian meal and cold meats and salad for those who don’t want an actual meal.
“Roast chicken and gravy is definitely one of the most popular dishes as well as jelly and custard. Even when it’s not on the menu, it’s requested,” Ms Van der Merwe said.
The meals are delivered by volunteers from several local charities, schools and organisations including Granite Belt Support Services, Lions Club of Stanthorpe, and Rotary Club of Stanthorpe.
Judy O’Reilly is a Disability Support Worker at Granite Belt Services and has been volunteering with Meals on Wheels for four years.
“The people we drop meals off to are always happy and extremely grateful to see us. Often, we’ll stay for a chat or help them hang out a load of washing while we’re there,” Ms O’Reilly said.