Despite a recent financial boost from a local charity, the challenge of increasing fuel prices is making it tough for Jersey’s Meals on Wheels service to recruit new volunteers.
Volunteer Numbers Hit by Fuel Expenses
The rising cost of petrol is a key factor discouraging prospective volunteers from joining Meals on Wheels Jersey, which delivers hot meals to those who are unable to cook. When individuals discover that they must use their own vehicles and bear the costs themselves, without compensation, many lose interest, according to Maureen Bougeard, secretary of the organisation.
Bougeard noted, “Very often volunteers say, you know: ‘The petrol’s getting expensive.’ We’re looking for new volunteers and I send the information out which says you drive your car at your own expense and I don’t hear from them again.”
Operation Runs Solely on Volunteers
Meals on Wheels Jersey relies entirely on a volunteer workforce, with over 200 volunteers currently involved. All positions within the organisation are unpaid. The team delivers hot meals to about 100 people four days each week. Many volunteers are retired, and some even cross Jersey twice in one day to complete their rounds.
Bougeard praised the dedication of the volunteers: “I’m not saying everyone has a poor pension, not everyone is on the basic pension, but some are and they still manage to come and volunteer, which is absolutely fabulous.”
Financial Relief and Future Plans
The organisation was awarded a £38,000 grant from the Jersey Community Foundation, which will help cover the charge imposed by the government’s health and community services for preparing and supplying meals. Thanks to this funding, Meals on Wheels Jersey is able to maintain its services into 2026 and 2027.
Recipients currently contribute £5 per meal at cost price. To secure its future, Meals on Wheels Jersey is in talks to renegotiate its service level agreement with the government for an even more sustainable arrangement.
Ongoing Need for Volunteers
Bougeard emphasised the growing necessity for new volunteers as the organisation strives to meet increasing demand from vulnerable residents. The issue of rising fuel costs continues to pose a problem, and since all operations are staffed by unpaid workers, creative solutions are needed to prevent personal expenses from deterring participation.
The service remains a crucial resource for those who can’t prepare their own meals, depending on both community engagement and reliable funding to keep running.
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