About the program
The Social Meals Program for Older People (SMPOP) formerly known as the Meal Subsidy Program, helps community groups or clubs to provide social meals as part of their group activities.
Group social meals gives older people the chance to:
- Meet others and stay socially connected
- Join in activities, talks and events
- Enjoy healthy and culturally appropriate meals
- Continue living independently.
Funding information
The City of Casey provides funding to community groups or clubs to serve meals as part of their seniors programs, activities or events.
Council will contribute $5 per meal served to eligible Casey residents for the 2026-2027 program.
A meal must be a main meal. Morning or afternoon tea is not included.
Funding covers the 12 month financial year, and interested groups must apply every year
Community Groups will need to complete a short acquittal report telling us about the success of the program and how the funding was used.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the program, an organisation must:
- be a not-for-profit community organisation, incorporated association, auspice or similar type of entity
- offer the community meal within the City of Casey municipality
- maintain public liability insurance of no less than $20 million and provide a current certificate of insurance
- a majority of the group members must reside within Casey and be aged 60 and over.
Registered members must be:
- aged 60 and over or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- living in the City of Casey.
Program guidelines
View the full Social Meals Program for Older People Program Guidelines.
Apply for the program
- Applications open on Friday, 1 May 2026
- Applications close on Sunday, 31 May 2026.
The application form is available for preview. This allows you to prepare your application for submission from opening date.
Contact us
If you have any questions, please call 9705 5444 or email mealservices@casey.vic.gov.au