A warm meal can make all the difference in someone’s day, and now, thanks to a generous grant from Pine Rivers Community Finance’s (PRCF) Grant’s Program, local Meals on Wheels clients have more say in what’s on their plate.
The grant awarded in the September 2024 Grant Round, has helped Meals on Wheels Samford introduce a new choice menu system, allowing clients to select their preferred meals every fortnight. The initiative focuses on enhancing services, promoting client independence, and adding a personal touch to meal delivery.
Initially, the funding was intended to purchase laptops to manage the new system, but after seeking IT advice, Meals on Wheels opted for three desktop computers and one laptop instead. This adjustment provided greater capacity at a lower cost, ensuring a smooth transition to the new system. The new technology is now being used to update the organisation’s website and database, train volunteers, and streamline the ordering process—making life easier for both clients and staff.
The impact has been immediate and meaningful, particularly for elderly residents, people with disabilities, and those in rural or low-income communities, providing clients with the option to choose their meals and enjoy dishes they love while avoiding foods they may dislike or have dietary restrictions against. A dedicated Client Liaison Officer is also on hand to assist those who need extra help navigating the new system, ensuring that every client feels supported and heard.
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. “Our clients have been so pleased about the start of our new choice menu! Positive feedback has come in every day since the new menu began,” said Meals on Wheels’ Tanja Ungerer.
Volunteers have also embraced the change, as they now play a key role in assisting with data entry and providing direct support to clients.
“These computers from Pine Rivers Community Finance have been an absolute lifesaver. Without them, our task of uploading client menus would have been an arduous one. These new computers have made the transition seamless for us, our volunteers and, most importantly, members of the community who rely on our service,” said Tanja.
Pince Rivers Community Finance owns and operates Community Bank Samford, part of Bendigo Bank. So far more thank $2M has been distributed to a wide range of community organisations in the Moreton Bay Region. These grants are made possible because of our customers. Community Bank Samford distributes the majority of its profits each year to address local issues and influence positive change in the community.
“For many in the community, Meals on Wheels is more than just a service—it’s a vital connection that provides nourishment, dignity, and independence,” said Mandy Bell Senior Branch Manager. “This latest initiative is a shining example of how, through this grants program, we can target resources and funding to support local programs such as Meals on Wheels, that can make a genuine and positive difference to many in our community.”
PRCF is currently running a special grant round focused on tackling homelessness and food insecurity in the Moreton Bay Region. With grants ranging from $5,000 to $30,000, this initiative will support projects and programs that assist people experiencing homelessness, those at risk, individuals facing food insecurity, and those escaping family and domestic violence.
The grants are available to not-for-profit organisations working in the Moreton Bay region that:
✅ Assist people experiencing homelessness or are at risk
✅ Provide food relief or emergency support
✅ Offer advocacy and education programs to prevent homelessness
✅ Work with organisations supporting people experiencing domestic and family violence
The invitation-only grant round is open from March 17, 2025 to April 30, 2025. To learn more and check eligibility, visit https://prcf.com.au/community-funding/grants/ or contact grants@prcf.com.au.
The Board of PRCF Ltd recognises the reality of homelessness. The Board notes the sensitivity of the issue in the current climate and is apolitical on the positions of all levels of government. This round is in response to community feedback received over the past 12 months by our banking team. The grant is focused on community organisations with a broad-based approach to homelessness, food insecurity and domestic violence.
