The Australian Government has announced a $37 million investment aimed at improving food and meal services for older Australians receiving aged care. This funding will directly benefit community meal providers and caterers supplying meals through home care packages.
The funding includes $31 million allocated to the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), ensuring community meal providers can deliver nutritious meals to seniors. An additional $6 million will support providers in the National Meals Subsidy Trial, which aims to make meals more affordable by reducing costs for recipients while maintaining high-quality standards.
In a statement, Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells emphasised the importance of addressing malnutrition risks highlighted by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, which reported that nearly 68% of aged care residents were malnourished or at risk. “
“Ensuring older Australians have access to nutritious, safe, and enjoyable food is fundamental to their quality of life.”
Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells
This investment is part of broader reforms, including the establishment of a dedicated food and nutrition standard under the Aged Care Quality Standards, supporting aged care providers in meeting their responsibilities for food and nutrition.
