Meals on Wheels teams up with preschoolers to bridge generation gap

South Australia’s largest volunteer based organisation, Meals on Wheels, is running a pilot program with St Margaret’s Kindergarten at Woodville to build intergenerational connections.

During the pilot intergenerational sessions, with a range of playgroup-style activities will be offered, with kindergarten children, their parents, and a range of visiting seniors coming together to play, learn, and form friendships. 

For the first session portraiture was a focus, with children and seniors painting portraits of each other to be framed and displayed at St Margaret’s.

Jane Ryan, Meals on Wheels SA program coordinator, said the organisation was thrilled to be partnering with St Margaret’s for the program.

“This is a new venture for Meals on Wheels but the initial response has been very encouraging,” she shared with The Senior. 

While Meals on Wheels is typically known for its personalised food delivery service and wellbeing checks, a secondary, and equally as important function, is about building strong social connections within communities. 

“This trial program is an extension of that, and something we’re keen to expand by involving more preschool, primary and secondary children and parents in the future,” Ms Ryan said.

Cathy O’Dea, the preschool’s co-director, said the program is also a first for the preschool, something they have wanted to introduce for some time, however COVID had foiled plans. 

“It’s a wonderful way to bring three generations together, socialise and learn,” she said, adding that the preschoolers are all excited to meet with their new friends and show them around the kindergarten. 

Meals on Wheels are keen to add more early learning settings and schools to the program. Services who are interested in participating can call 1800-854-453 for more information.

The original coverage of this story may be found here.