Meals on Wheels service is officially launched

The new Athlone Meals on Wheels 'Outreach Service to Moate' was officially launched at the local organisation's kitchen in Arás Bríd, Excise Street, last Friday. The Deputy Mayor of Athlone, Cllr Jim Henson, launched the service which sees meals delivered five days a week from Athlone to 25 residents in Moate and its surrounds. Cllr Henson praised the volunteerism which has been key to the development of Athlone Meals on Wheels throughout its 38-year history. "This is a very valuable service for Westmeath and in these times of cutbacks, and everything contracting, it's encouraging to see a service like this expand," he remarked. "This is about more than delivering a hot, nutritious meal. It's an outreach programme that supports the local community and it's a very positive initiative." The Labour councillor said approximately 25 volunteers were involved with the Athlone Meals on Wheels group. "In spite of all the doom and gloom it would give you a lift to see that this level of volunteerism is still alive and well in the local community in Athlone," he said. The 'Outreach Service to Moate' started last November and local Meals on Wheels representatives expect it to grow over the coming months. Elderly people are typically referred to the Meals on Wheels service by their GP, Public Health Nurse or Social Worker.