Community Based Support (CBS) delivered its 3000th meal on Wednesday, July 22, after the organisation was forced to adapt their services in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Community Based Support CEO Allyson Warrington said the 3000th meal was delivered to CBS client, Carmyl Groombridge, from Margate.

“From crisis comes opportunity,” Ms Warrington said.

“We started our meal delivery service on April 22 because our social hubs had to understandably close due to the coronavirus restrictions.

“We were also telephoning all of our clients to check on their wellbeing.

“We discovered that some of them were completely isolated as they are vulnerable and feared leaving their homes.

“Our service enabled them to see other people safely and eat nutritious meals.

“What has been very gratifying is that clients have been reporting their doctors were happy with the service as their nutrition intake substantially improved,” Ms Warrington stated.

Ms Groombridge, who is living with an auto-immune issue, said she really appreciated the daily meal delivery through the pandemic.

“It means a lot to have access to both the meals and contact with CBS staff,” Ms Groombridge said.

“The food is yummy with meals like shepherd’s pie, spaghetti and meatloaf and apple crumble and chocolate cake for dessert.”

CBS cares for more than 4500 aged care and disability clients state-wide including many across the Kingborough area.

“I am very proud of our staff, their initiative, their innovation and their dedication to our clients,” continued Ms Warrington.

“At CBS, we care for some of the most vulnerable in the Tasmanian community.

“What we have been doing is providing meals for not only our Social Hub clients, but others who need the service.

“Most importantly, we are delivering greater social connection for many people who are living in isolation, with our staff spending time, sometimes up to a couple of hours, with each client when they deliver the meal.”

Ms Warrington said that as Tasmania emerges from the pandemic crisis, Community Based Support will continue with its meal delivery service, as finding a solution for clients was the “CBS way”.

“If clients can’t come to us, we will go to them, practicing good hand hygiene and safe, social distancing rules,” concluded Ms Warrington.

Pictured above: CBS support workers Tim Clarke delivers the 3000th meal from Community Based Support to Carmyl Groombridge of Margate on Wednesday, July 22. (PS)