The voluntary service is slated for a price overhaul as the Department of Social Services (DSS) drafts a proposal that will drive the costs to pensioners through the roof as of July 1, as part of a new uniform Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).

Mrs Sudmalis is concerned there is “insufficient understanding” on the government’s behalf of the role of the Meals on Wheels service in regional areas.

“I will be meeting with Assistant Social Service Minister Mitch Fifield early next month so he can hear the feelings and despair from our meals on wheels volunteers and coordinators.

“I’m sending every single email to the senator, to make sure he understands the sentiments coming out of our community.”

The DSS claims the current fee schedule is inconsistent and varies significantly between regions and providers. The draft CHSP is designed to create a streamlined source of support for older people living in the community and their carers through a nationally consistent fees policy.

Currently, a main meal from the Nowra-Bomaderry Meals on Wheels, costs $6 and dessert or a soup is an additional $1.50. The DSS is seeking to impose a maximum fee of $10 extra per meal, totalling $16.50.

Meals on Wheels has been operating in Australia since 1952. What started with a woman delivering meals to the elderly on her tricycle in South Melbourne, has become an essential nationwide service, designed to offer people who are unable to prepare meals for themselves an affordable and nutritious meal.

Mrs Sudmalis said she was ensuring the community’s concerns were clearly heard and understood by the DSS before the federal budget is brought down in the second week of May.

“I want to engender a lot more support before the budget is brought down,” Mrs Sudmalis said.

“I have been planning for the senator to visit the region for some time and had planned to hold a community forum, to give groups like Meals on Wheels the chance to voice their concerns.

“This visit is expected to happen next month, certainly before the budget.”