Last year, Meals on Wheels introduced a waiting list for the first time in its history. This followed a funding shortfall that limited how many meals the service could provide.

The development raised serious concerns about the ability of community providers to meet growing demand, particularly as Australia’s population continues to age.

Meals on Wheels CEO Claudia Odello has warned the situation could worsen. This follows changes to the Aged Care Act and home care packages introduced by the Federal Government in November. According to Ms Odello, these changes will only increase pressure on an already stretched system.

So what is driving the problem — and why are community providers warning the system may struggle to cope?

What is the issue?

Rising demand

The reforms introduced in November are aimed at encouraging more Australians to remain living at home independently for longer. To support this shift, a stronger emphasis has been placed on consumer choice, with services tailored to individual needs.

As more older Australians are encouraged to stay at home, demand for basic services such as delivered meals is expected to rise. For many people, Meals on Wheels is a critical support that enables safe and independent living. It also provides reassurance to families and carers.

Lack of funding

Ms Odello said the federal government did not increase funding for Meals on Wheels under the Commonwealth Home Support Program in 2025. This has limited the ability of providers to expand services in response to rising demand.

She said Meals on Wheels providers reported demand exceeding their funded capacity last year.

“Some services were having to turn people away or introduce waiting lists,” she told the Daily Telegraph.

“In many communities, that’s unprecedented for meal services, and it’s deeply concerning because it means older people are missing out on an essential support.”

Some providers have begun delivering above their funded number of meals and absorbing the cost themselves. Experts have warned this approach is not sustainable and cannot be relied on as a long-term solution.

What should be done?

Ms Odello said recent reforms must be matched with increased funding. She said funding should be reviewed in line with demographic change and rising demand.

“I started with MoW about 15 years ago, and the government has not conducted any demographic studies or reviews to support growth funding for MoW services during that time,” she told the Daily Telegraph.

While some point to alternative meal delivery services, these options do not always include physical check-ins or texture-modified foods. Ms Odello said this highlights the unique and ongoing role Meals on Wheels plays.

“MoW is so much more than a meal. It is part of the social fabric of Australia. It is community supporting community,” she said.

The growing pressure on services like Meals on Wheels reflects a broader challenge across Australia’s aged care sector. Demand for skilled workers is increasing as more people choose to age at home. Workers are needed to support nutrition, wellbeing, and social connection. Workforce shortages are already affecting service delivery in many areas. As reforms reshape care delivery, the need for experienced and well-prepared aged care professionals has never been greater.

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Article References

McGann, T (14 January 2026) ‘Meals on Wheels CEO warns aged care reforms could overwhelm providers’, Daily Telegraph, accessed 22 January 2026.