CROOM Family Resource Centre made their voices heard during a demonstration outside Leinster House.
The centre, a member of the National Meals Network (supported by Irish Rural Link), highlighted the critical need for funding for its Meals on Wheels service.
Croom Meals on Wheels said it is facing many challenges that risk its ability to meet rising demand, given that is solely depends on volunteers.
One local volunteer, Sam Milburn, said that “we see everyday the benefits Croom Meals on Wheels brings to the people who receive our meals”.
“Croom Meals on Wheels is not just about the meal, its about community, companionship, and connection. Our service needs to be funded to be sustainable and realistic to meet the needs of our community now and into the future.”
Additional pressures are experienced for Croom Family Resource Centre, such as rising insurance premiums, complex compliance requirements, and the drive for digital transformation add further strain — particularly for smaller, community-based providers.
Despite these obstacles, Croom Meals on Wheels is committed to supporting older people in living independently and with dignity in their own homes.
Tracey Noone, development officer for the National Meals on Wheels Network said the organisation’s “strategy aims to ensure sustainable funding, collaboration, and innovation for providers to meet growing needs”.
“Increased funding is required for the network to develop National Meals on Wheels Standards, design specific software, and implement both to ensure national accessibility and continue the network’s work on behalf of meals on wheels’ providers.”