To better support the county’s older population, the Meals on Wheels service for vulnerable seniors in the Portlaoise area is set to be reintroduced.
The county town has been without this vital programme since June 2023.
However, as the number of residents aged 65 and over continues to rise, so too does the demand for Meals on Wheels — a crucial service that helps older adults live independently in their own homes.
The issue was also brought up by members of the Portlaoise Municipal District recently and then a meeting took place in the Parish Centre in March.
Last year, it was reported that the National Meals on Wheels Network had highlighted gaps in the service across the country due to underfunding, which are leaving some elderly and vulnerable people without a hot meal.
Portlaoise was one of the areas identified as needing urgent action to address this need, which led to public meetings this year aiming to get this vital service back up and running.
As a result, a local voluntary committee was established to try to reach this goal. Laois Partnership Company (LPC) is delighted to be in a position to support this group, having received funding from Leprino for this initiative.
Leprino Foods Company, headquartered in Denver, Colorado, is a global leader in the production of premium- quality cheese and dairy ingredients.
Leprino is the largest producer of mozzarella cheese in the world and a leading manufacturer of lactose, whey protein, micellar casein and sweet whey.
In August, the company announced it is to cease manufacturing operations at its plant in Portlaoise by the second half of 2026.
Leprino will provide once-off funding to see this pilot programme get off the ground, with the intention being to source pre-packed ready meals with a shelf life of seven days.
The service will be delivered at low cost to the older person, with the income used to pay for the meal and other associated costs, like transport.
A group of volunteers will also be required to ensure effective distribution to those who need it most around the town.
Commenting on this new development LPC CEO, Caroline Lydon, said: “We are delighted to be able to support the local group of volunteers who came together to address this gap in service.
“Leprino, who have been based in Portlaoise for five years, were keen to support a local ‘good cause’ and were delighted when this opportunity was pitched to them.
“This pilot project is a great example of how local businesses and community groups can work together to achieve good outcomes for those who need it most. We look forward to seeing how this project progresses.”
Leprino added: “Ethics is one of our core values, and for us, that simply means doing the right thing — for our people, our customers, and our communities.
“As part of our purpose to sustainably feed and nourish families around the world, we’re proud to support efforts that help our neighbours right here at home.
“It’s wonderful to see local residents and businesses coming together to make a real difference, and we wish all the volunteers every success.”
As part of this process, Laois Partnership Company recently recruited a Meals on Wheels coordinator (15hrs/week).
The coordinator will be responsible for liaising with the Meals on Wheels Steering Committee to establish this service effectively, with such responsibilities as drawing up volunteer rotas, communicating with volunteers, dealing with client referrals, mapping delivery routes, and co-ordinating the weekly delivery of meals.
It is envisaged that this service will start slowly, but it is hoped that it will develop and expand to meet the growing demand.
For more information, contact Laois Partnership Company on 05786 61900 or email info@laoispartnership.ie
