Warrumbungle Community Care’s unique food partnership program that supported local people and local businesses during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic has been awarded the NSW Meals on Wheels Innovation Award.

The team from Warrumbungle Community Care were presented with their award in Coonabarabran on Monday, 19 October, by NSW Meals on Wheels network support consultant, Susan Terry.

Ms Terry said there were 11 nominees in the annual awards, with judges looking for services that thought “outside the box”.

“Warrumbungle Community Care were able to do exactly that and tailor the program to suit the local area,” Ms Terry said.

“The judges were extremely impressed with the collaboration, consideration, and the effort put into this unique project - the whole community effort in keeping people well-fed and connected.

“There are 155 Meals on Wheels services across NSW and this shines the light on how good they are!”

The idea for the meal voucher program was borne out of need.

When NSW entered lockdown earlier this year, Warrumbungle Community Care successfully applied for meal support funding to those who were most vulnerable.

The innovative program was also aimed at helping local food businesses that were struggling with the COVID-19 restrictions.

More than 3000 meal vouchers were distributed across the Warrumbungle Shire, supporting 18 local food services and keeping many afloat.

Warrumbungle Shire Council mayor, Ambrose Doolan said the award was a great achievement for Warrumbungle Community Care.

“It is amazing to see what is happening within our communities and the relationships that are being formed in a time which no one could have predicted,” Cr Doolan said.