Sinn Féin leader visits Longford Meals on Wheels

Longford Meals on Wheels and the National Meals on Wheels Network were delighted to welcome Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD and the party’s Education spokesperson, Longford / Westmeath TD Sorca Clarke to the service last Thursday, March 30.

This visit came as a result of Deputy Clarke meeting with Elaine and James Keogh at the National Meals on Wheels Network’s Information and Media Event held outside Leinster House and in Buswells Hotel on March 9. The aim of this event was to highlight the Meals on Wheels’ service nationally and the funding pressures being faced by all providers.

Longford Meals on Wheels has been delivering meals to the whole of County Longford and into parts of Westmeath for the last 50 years and provides meals seven days per week.

Both deputies listened intently to Elaine and the volunteers and staff speak about the work they do and the benefit it brings to their recipients. Elaine also highlighted the challenges with the current Section 39 funding model and how they desperately need increased multi-annual core funding to better plan and expand the service so no-one is left without a meal. The current cost of living crisis and increased food, energy and fuel costs were adding to the financial pressures being experienced by the service.

Tracey Noone, the Development Officer for the National Meals on Wheels Network under the umbrella of Irish Rural Link spoke about the differences in Section 39 funding depending on what part of the country the service is operating in. She spoke about the Network representing over 264 providers nationally and providing peer mentoring, networking, training and advice to all in the Network. The volunteer aspect of the service was highlighted and the fact the meals on wheels is “More than just a Meal”.

Deputies McDonald and Clarke stayed at the facility for just under an hour and spoke with all involved in Longford Meals on Wheels – staff and volunteers. They both acknowledged the work being done and offered to do whatever they could to help keep the service and its benefits a priority in terms of savings to the state and the need for more funding.