The cost of a hot meal delivered at lunchtime is about to go up for many elderly people receiving Meals on Wheels in Otago and Southland.
That has prompted a warning from a Dunedin elderly welfare advocate that many are struggling with cost-of-living increases.
From May 1, the Southern District Health Board would charge recipients $5 for the weekday meal, up 50c.
Diagnostic and support services general manager (Otago) Sonja Dillon said the increase was the first in Otago for nine years, and Southland for more than 13 years, apart from GST rises.
"The price has been increased to meet rising costs associated with the service. The revised price will enable the service to recover current costs.
"The support of the volunteers who deliver the meals is greatly appreciated."
The DHB provided about 220 meals a day in Dunedin and Palmerston, costing $7.92 per meal, excluding GST.
Both Dunedin and Southland hospitals ran Meals on Wheels services, while rural hospitals operated independent services.
Age Concern Meals on Wheels driver co-ordinator Wendy Patterson said the charge was $4.50 for a "long, long time" so she felt the increase was fair.
Paying $5 a day for a hot, nutritious meal, including dessert, was reasonable.
The system relied on volunteers, who paid their own petrol expenses.
However Senior-Link co-ordinator Geraldine Tait said while 50c did not sound much, it was significant for those on a fixed income fighting price rises everywhere.
"They peg out each bloody dollar, which is not much fun."
Ms Tait, also a Waikouaiti Coast Community Board member, said cost-of-living increases were compounded by October's GST rise.
Many spent more than a quarter of their pension on accommodation and a planned community housing rent rise in August would make matters worse.
In her submission on the Dunedin City Council's draft annual plan, Ms Tait objected to the planned increase for a single occupancy stand-alone flat, from $98 to $107 a week.
