NDIS families, carers, providers gain SA ready meal access

New Choices for NDIS and Support at Home Shoppers: SA Ready-Meal Business Offers In-Store Access

A South Australian ready-meal company, Local Kitchen Co, is making it easier for people supported by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the Support at Home (SaH) program to access nutritious meals. The business has expanded its services to allow eligible customers to shop for meals directly in their stores, a significant shift that offers more flexibility and choice.

This move positions Local Kitchen Co as the first ready-meal retailer in South Australia to offer this in-store purchasing option. It means customers can now browse and select fresh and frozen meals, including gourmet salads, in person, rather than relying solely on home delivery.

Greater Independence and Choice for Participants

For many NDIS participants and SaH recipients, accessing daily essentials like meals can sometimes be challenging. Previously, Local Kitchen Co’s NDIS and SaH customers were required to place orders through a delivery service. While convenient for some, this approach didn’t suit everyone.

The new in-store option provides a valuable boost to independence and personal choice, core principles of the NDIS. It allows individuals to visit one of the company’s five existing stores in Malvern, Parkside, Glenelg, Port Elliot, and Modbury, choosing meals that appeal to them on the day.

Sarsha Harvey, founder and CEO of Local Kitchen Co, shared the enthusiasm for this new development. “For three years, our Support at Home and NDIS customers have had to order online and wait for a delivery,” Harvey explained. “Many of them live just down the road from one of our stores. They want to come in, have a chat with our team, see what’s fresh that day and pick something that takes their fancy. We’re so pleased we can finally offer that to them.”

Understanding NDIS and Support at Home Meal Access

The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) provides funding to eligible Australians with permanent and significant disabilities to help them achieve their goals and live more independently. For many, this includes support with daily living activities, such as meal preparation or accessing ready-made meals if they are unable to cook for themselves.

Similarly, the Support at Home (SaH) program assists older Australians to live independently in their own homes for longer. Services under SaH often include assistance with meals, helping recipients maintain their health and wellbeing without needing to move into residential care.

For NDIS participants, the cost of ready meals may be covered under their plan, typically within ‘Core Supports’ under ‘Daily Activities’. Participants who self-manage or plan-manage their funds usually have the flexibility to purchase from providers like Local Kitchen Co. Home delivery services will also continue to be available for those who prefer or require them.

What This Means for You

For NDIS Participants and SaH Recipients:

• Increased Flexibility: You can now choose between visiting a store or opting for home delivery, giving you more control over how and when you access your meals.
• Personalised Shopping: The ability to browse in person means you can see the meals, check ingredients, and select exactly what you feel like on the day, fostering greater independence.
• Community Connection: Visiting a store offers an opportunity for social interaction with staff, which can be a valuable part of daily life.

For Disability Service Providers:

• This initiative by Local Kitchen Co highlights a growing trend towards greater choice and accessibility in support services. It demonstrates how businesses can adapt to meet the evolving needs and preferences of NDIS and SaH clients.

Founded in 2019, Local Kitchen Co continues to expand its presence, with a sixth location planned for Adelaide Central Market later this year. This expansion, coupled with the new in-store purchasing option, means more people across South Australia will have improved access to convenient and healthy meal solutions.

If you are an NDIS participant or SaH recipient interested in this new service, it’s always a good idea to check with your plan manager or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to understand how these purchases align with your individual plan and funding.