FAQ

We are an accredited meal provider funded by the Department of Health and Ageing. We operate under the Commonwealth Home Support Program. We also carry a New South Wales Food Authority License. As an incorporated entity we are under the direction of a Board of skilled professionals who oversee compliance, financial management and operations. We engage a staff base of 8 individuals and 90 plus community volunteers.

Any older Australian with a My Aged Care Identifier number, living in the Sutherland Shire, who wishes to remain independent and in their own home and is:

• aged 65 years or over
• aged 50 years or over and identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
• is the primary carer of someone with a registered disability; and
• has been assessed and provided a 'Meals-At Home Referral Code'.

Registration is essential with My Aged Care by calling 1800 200 422 or visiting the My Aged Care website www.myagedcare.gov.au. We are here to help with this process, simply call us on 1300 637 1300.

If you are allocated a Home Care Package, you can choose to have Sutherland Food Services as your meal provider. It's important to discuss all aspects of your package with your provider. Depending on your package you may be able to use some of your funds to pay for a portion of your meals. You can at any time appoint a support person to assist you.

Our meals are not cooked on site, but rather to ensure an extensive range and choice, we buy the meals from a number of providers, all of whom are HACCAP approved. HACCP is a systematic preventive approach to food safety. This system ensures quality and a competitive price structure. We also carry modified meals.

You will always remain in control of your meals service. There are no binding contracts for continual ordering or minimum order numbers. As we are a federally funded accredited provider, which means we will require a Service Agreement to be signed by you.

You, or your support person, will be provided a detailed invoice on the last day of each month. To pay, you can call with your credit card, or jump on line and effect a bank transfer. Our preferred method for payment is direct debit. All details will form part of your Information Pack.

Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community. You can visit our 'Volunteering page' to browse the available options. A current police clearance is required, but we will handle that for you, including the costs. We also provide training and are always on hand to answer any questions.