2027 Community Meals Subsidy

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This is a preview of the 2027 Community Meals Subsidy Application form. When you’re ready to apply, click Fill Out Now to begin.
 

Introduction

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The Community Meals Subsidy Program aims to:

  • Strengthen the community’s capacity to address loneliness and social isolation and support access to affordable meals and activities for older people.  
  • Enable older people to enjoy a community meal in the company of friends. 
  • Encourage older people to participate in activities that improve their health, wellbeing, social connections and celebrate cultural diversity. 
  • Encourage opportunities for community volunteers to develop skills and a sense of community. 
  • Partner with community groups and organisations offering a range of activities for older people.  
  • Encourage community groups and organisations to welcome new participants through inclusive practices and policies that foster a safe and welcoming environment. 

Funding level

A subsidy of $6.00 per meal is available for up to 12 meal sessions.  

The total eligible funding amount is calculated based on the average number of people attending a single community meals session (capped at 140 participants).  

Maximum funding calculation: 

140 participants per session X 12 sessions = 1,680 eligible meals  

1,680 X $6.00 per meal provided = $10,080 maximum grant request 

Sessions must be held between January and December 2027.

Funding can be used across more or less sessions as required, provided the total number of funded meals are delivered.

Eligibility 

  • A majority of participants in the proposed program need to be aged 55 and over.
  • The community meals program needs to be held within the City of Melbourne municipality. If the program is taking place outside of the municipal boundaries, a minimum of eighty per cent of participants must reside in the City of Melbourne.

Acquittal

  • Successful applicants need to complete acquittal reporting by the end of February 2027 to show evidence that they have delivered the funded number of meals.
  • If the total number of meals are not provided, a portion of the subsidy remains unspent and refunds will be required. 

For further information, refer to the guidelines.

Are you eligible?

Is your organisation registered as one of the following * Required
Response required.
Clear the selected value for Is your organisation registered as one of the following
A majority of participants in the proposed community meals program are aged 55 and over * Required
Response required.
Will you offer the community meal program within the City of Melbourne municipality? * Required
Response required.

This section is not applicable because of your response to question: "Will you offer the community meal program within the City of Melbourne municipality?" on page 1

If you are offering the meal program outside of the municipality will a minimum of 80% of participants be City of Melbourne residents?

Confirm Eligibility

I can confirm that I am eligible based upon the above criteria * * Required
Response required.

Ineligible (Not Applicable)

This section is not applicable because of your response to questions:

  • "A majority of participants in the proposed community meals program are aged 55 and over" on page 1
  • "I can confirm that I am eligible based upon the above criteria *" on page 1
  • "If you are offering the meal program outside of the municipality will a minimum of 80% of participants be City of Melbourne residents?" on page 1

Based on your response, you are ineligible for this grant. If you would like to discuss your circumstances, please email healthyageing@melbourne.vic.gov.au