Nowra Bomaderry Meals on Wheels launch desserts to boost elderly clients nutrition

Set to launch in May, the desserts have been carefully developed by Meals on Wheels chef Andrew McLean, with recipes being checked over by a nutritionist to ensure elderly clients are receiving a boost in nutritional value with every bite.

"Nutrition for older people is so important," said North Shoalhaven Meals on Wheels Manager Angela Pendlebury.

"Even protein requirements are much higher for the elderly, so the idea that people naturally lose weight when they age is just false, and it shouldn't be that way.

"These beautiful sweet treats are one way we feel our elderly clients can sit down and enjoy, and at the same time, sneaking in extra nutritional value."

Read more:

Their clients, which are people over 65 or people with a disability, need extra nutrients than those who are under 70.

"The product caters for the nutrition of elderly people specifically, unlike other diet ready-made meals on the shelves," said McLean.

"We've done simple things to add extra nutrients, like using cream instead of water. A lot of thought has gone into it to boost the nutritional value.

"As people get older, they eat less, so you need more nutrition in what you do eat."

With the recipes being developed since last December, the Nowra Bomaderry Meals on Wheels is the first service to introduce the idea of nutrient-dense desserts to the main meal deliveries, and they hope it catches on to other Meals on Wheels services across the nation.

"It's been a rough road to get to this stage but we believe in this product and that it'll really pay off for the community," said Pendlebury.

People wanting meals delivered should contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

If you are interested in volunteering with Meals on Wheels, call 4422 5111.

We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.