A cool change has reached Nepean Food Services with the opening of a new annex that will provide more fresh meals to the community.
Manager of Nepean Food Services, Ditte Kozak, said the new facility, which includes a freezer and packing room, will allow services to grow into the future.
“Our vision is to connect people to their local communities by providing a range of support services which aim to enhance their health and wellbeing and maintain their independence,” she said.
“Currently, we deliver over 52,000 meals a year and deliver over 12,000 hours of social support to approximately 500 clients.
“We’ve been preparing these services in a very small space next door and have been packing these meals in a five metre by six metre room.”
Ms Kozak said there is a growing need for the services they provide.
“We recognise the need to deliver these services as the aging population is growing in Penrith rapidly,” she said.
“This brand new facility will allow our organisation to grow with our aging population which will nearly double by 2021.”
The increased capacity the annex offers will allow Nepean Food Services and Penrith Council to work together to help support older people remain living independently in their own homes.
Penrith Mayor John Thain couldn’t resist the opportunity for a pun as he expressed his delight at the improved service they will be able to offer both the aging population as well as being a registered provider for the NDIS.
“This is a great opportunity, it’s so cool to be here,” he joked.
With almost 100 volunteers working tirelessly for Nepean Food Services, Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies took the opportunity to thank their commitment and dedication.
“If it was not for you, we would not have a Nepean Food Services,” Ms Davies said.
“Compared to all that’s happening, with the airport, roads and rail and all the big stuff, this small component of infrastructure is just as important to our community. It’s these small pieces that go towards making up a society and a community that functions, that is kind, that is compassionate to each other.”
The new facility was built by Coverit Building Group and was named in honour of Scott Wheeler, former Chairman of Nepean Food Service’s Committee.
Emily Newton is the Weekender’s police and political reporter. Emily is also the Weekender’s Senior Journalist.
