The country's Meals on Wheels services will receive an increase of €2 million in funding to help meet growing demand.
The increase in the cost of food is keenly felt by providers who cook for large numbers of elderly people.
Tánaiste Simon Harris and Minister of State for Older People, Kieran O’Donnell, announced the increase in funding on a visit to Meals on Wheels at St Munchin’s Community Centre in Limerick city today.
The additional funding represents an increase of over 30% on last year, and brings the total allocation for Meals on Wheels services to €8.25m.
The network will deliver over 3.3m meals this year as committed to in the HSE’s National Service Plan.
There are currently 319 Meals on Wheels organisations in operation across the country delivering meals to over 18,000 people each month.
The Tánaiste said Meals on Wheels has proven itself to be a vital resource in many rural and urban communities.
"Meals on Wheels is not just about nutrition, it is also about combatting isolation and loneliness through making connections between people and their communities."
He thanked volunteers for their enthusiasm and commitment in delivering the service.
Minister O’Donnell said Meals on Wheels has been an invaluable resource in helping older people to maintain their health and independence through the provision of healthy meals.
"This service benefits not only the service users themselves but also their families by providing peace of mind that their loved ones have a friendly face visiting them regularly."
He encouraged anyone that thinks they, a family member or a neighbour might benefit from the service, to reach out to their local Meals on Wheels organisation.
