Meals on Wheels Jersey, a volunteer-driven organization providing hot meals to residents unable to prepare food themselves, has identified fuel expenses as a significant barrier to recruiting new delivery drivers.
Maureen Bougeard, secretary of the service, explained that prospective volunteers frequently cite petrol costs as a reason for declining participation. When recruitment information is distributed stating that drivers cover vehicle expenses personally, responses have diminished. The organization currently operates with more than 200 volunteers and delivers meals to approximately 100 people four days per week, with no paid staff members.
Many of the voluntary drivers, predominantly retired individuals, travel extensive distances to complete their routes, sometimes covering the length of the island twice daily. Bougeard acknowledged the financial pressures some volunteers face, noting that while not all retired volunteers receive minimal pensions, many who do still maintain their commitment to the service.
The organization recently received £38,000 in funding from the Jersey Community Foundation for 2026 and 2027. This grant covers charges to the government of Jersey’s health and community services department, which supplies and facilitates meal preparation. Recipients of the meals currently pay a cost price of £5 per meal.
Meals on Wheels Jersey indicated plans to renegotiate its service level agreement with the government to ensure continuity of operations beyond the current funding period.
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