Meals on Wheels, Lower Austria

The state of Lower Austria provides targeted financial resources for the delivery of hot meals through the Meals on Wheels program. Public institutions, interest groups, and other associations are entitled to apply and thereby contribute to the care of elderly, ill, or care-dependent individuals who are unable to prepare a hot meal themselves. The funding falls within the thematic areas of social affairs, health, as well as labor & social affairs and is granted in the form of a subsidy. Various menu options are offered – ranging from regular meals to light diets, diabetic meals, or meatless options – depending on the regional provider portfolio and the individual needs of the recipients.

Explicitly funded are the costs for meal delivery, while the production costs are borne by the recipients themselves. Approval requires an informal application by municipalities, institutions, or associations, along with the submission of copies of invoices from the producers or deliverers indicating the number of meal portions delivered. Applications must be submitted to the Office of the Lower Austrian State Government by no later than August 31 or February 28 of the following year. The funding is based on the provisions of the Lower Austrian Social Assistance Act (§ 45 NÖ SHG in conjunction with § 48 para. 2 NÖ SHG) and aims to make a reliable contribution to improving the quality of life of seniors and those in need of care.