fbpx

Accessibility Tools

  • You are here:  
  • Home /
  • Blogs /
  • Accessing Food Services under NDIS: The INS and OUTS

Accessing Food Services under NDIS: The INS and OUTS

Hits: 13733
Close up of four takeaway containers with food

Need a little bit of help with grocery delivery? Or do you want to take the stress and time out of cooking meals? Did you know that you can access certain food and delivery services using your NDIS funding, as long as it fits your goals? There are a few options and we are here to give you the heads up on all things simple AND yummy.

Let’s talk grocery deliveries. Since COVID took the world by storm there is now a need for quick and cheap grocery delivery. The great news is, NDIS can help you out with a tiny bit of the cost. If your disability means you need help shopping, you may be able to have your groceries home delivered under your core budget. This is helpful for a lot of people, but it is important to remember that NDIS only pays for the delivery fee, not the total amount. Some help is always better than none, and if you struggle to shop or would rather your food be delivered to your doorstep- this may be the answer! Please note: Help with groceries under NDIS funding is only available for plan managed or self-managed participants.

But wait, there is more. There is also a new priority home delivery service during COVID-19. The priority home delivery service can be used via a unique code, given to all eligible participants from the NDIS. This code must be used when checking out with participating supermarkets. This will allow you to get your food delivered when things are not as accessible (such as during COVID). This means more time slots are available so you can get the groceries faster and easier. Not sure if you have received a code? Or you’ve misplaced it? No worries! Contact your Local Area Coordinator or the NDIS on 1800 800 110. 

In a fast-paced world filled with technology, food ordering apps are becoming more common. For people with a disability, this can be a great option to try different food, have it delivered to you and promote independence. Using NDIS for the above meal delivery services is much like grocery deliveries. The meal you purchased will not be covered but you can claim the delivery fee if it meets NDIS guidelines and is in your plan.

So, what is reasonable and necessary? Using NDIS funding to pay for food deliveries means you will need to show a need for it related to your disability. If you cannot make a meal yourself or your support person cannot take you shopping due to restrictions then it may be okay to claim delivery costs. Need more clarity? Click here for information from the NDIS themselves or feel free to watch their support video below:

One of the newer, more exciting ways to access food services via NDIS funding is home-delivered meal companies. You can buy these with your funding if deemed necessary. You should have Assistance with Daily Activities or Preparation and Delivery of Meals listed under your Core Supports to use these. The NDIS will only cover some of the cost for meal preparation and delivery (but not the ingredients used). How your NDIS plan is managed can determine how payment works for some companies. You will need to pay a part of the cost under the NDIS guidelines, this is a co-payment. If you want more information, cost guides are usually found on the companies' websites. As always, we encourage you to have a conversation with the company to see if they are the right fit for you.


What are the benefits of home-delivered meals?

Choice and control:

These services allow you to choose the meals you prefer, in a ready-to-eat, easier way. Choice and control in one’s life are so important! Instead of waiting for your support person to make a meal for or with you, you can now choose what and when you eat. This small bit of help can make your goal of independent living much more achievable.

Healthy habits:

We all know eating healthy can be hard, so home-delivered meals take the guesswork out of it. Most companies offer healthier options or meal plan options.                                    

More time:

Having meals delivered to you saves time and effort, giving you more opportunities to do the things you love! Whether that’s taking a walk in the park, painting, or playing video games, with home deliveries you can now make time for some of your time. What will you get up to with your newfound free time?


If you feel like the above options may help, call your Local Area Coordinator, or speak with the NDIS for more information on 1800 800 110.

IDEAS does information so you can do life.

Available Resources

old fashioned brass balancing scales Disability Royal Commission looks at preventing and responding to violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation in disability services
A woman hold a phone and is using the screen My NDIS app
Young man on phone using AT to hold device up to his face Adaptive Clothing in Australia
A man holds the remote up to the TV, we see him from behind. Kev's Story
Sand Therapy: What is it? Sand Therapy: What is it?
View from behind. A mother holds her sons hand as they walk to school. Charlie’s Story
Independent Assessments to be scrapped Independent Assessments to be scrapped
Recovery Coaching? How lived experience can help others Recovery Coaching? How lived experience can help others
Travel Training for All Ages Travel Training for All Ages
Young girl and teenage girl sitting in grass NDIS Consultations: Home and Living and Support for Decision Making
Woman sitting at desk, with pen in her hand reading 3 textbooks. NDIS News: Plan Managed Participant Reimbursements
An image of the back of a woman's head, with cropped hair, glasses and hooped earrings. She faces away from the camera and is wearing a grey knit jumper. Emily's Story
notebook on pink background with NDIS PLAN written on front. A ballpoint pen is on top of the diary with a pair of glasses in the right corner of image. Surrounded by two plants and IDEAS logo. Self-Managing? How to Handle the Paperwork and Improve Record Keeping
A close up of a door, with the words Complaints and the NDIS Commission
Woman in wheelchair with back turned. A laptop with another woman on screen holding a book. Disability Royal Commission looks at preventing and responding to violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation in disability services
A red octagonal sign which says STOP. Disability advocates urge new minister to abandon Independent Assessments
Young man celebrating his birthday with a loved one. He is holding a cake and wearing a party hat. When My Child Turns 18: Frequently Asked Questions for Parents
A woman wearing glasses and a red shirt, holds a pen and is checking some paperwork. In front of her is a white laptop. Plan Management Options
A woman with disability is signing a document, a business man is showing her where to sign. What is a Support Coordinator?
Two women, one with disability seated at a table, looking at the camera. On the table is a notepad and calculator. What is a Local Area Coordinator?
AUTISM written with colourful alphabet magnets, resting on hands Autism Connect
A woman with long, straight blonde hair in yellow jumper and white shirt who is a wheelchair user is looking to someone off the picture. There is a male seated to her right who wears a grey vest and collared shirt, he is looking at her. A third persons head can be seen at the left of the picture. Local Area Coordinators, Support Coordinators and Plan Management Explained
NDIS Independent Assessments NDIS Update: Independent Assessments and the Functional Capacity Framework
yellow spanner on a yellow background Government response to the NDIS Tune review
A care worker assisting a child with disability I want to know more about Short Term Accommodation.
sad woman with hands over her eyes Disability service Integrity Care banned from providing NDIS services
A photo of a young girl with down syndrome smiling at the camera. She is standing on an athletics track. Inclusive and Modified Sports for Children with Disability
Inquiry, with NDIS Commission Logo, Magnifying glass, dog, woman in wheelchair Government Inquiry - NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
4 people with ideas shirts on smiling Local Area Coordination in the Spotlight
Baby with arms behind their head, sleeoing. They have Down Syndrome. Words say the NDIS gets more flexible. The NDIS gets more flexible - What you need to know
Image of young girl with Down Syndrome looking sad Shocking cases of disability abuse and neglect come to light
A young girl with disability is laying in the grass, she has her eyes closed, is smiling with her hands partly covering her face. Can Good Things come from the COVID-19 Crisis?
detail of couple's hands clasped tightly on a bed NDIS agency overruled on sex services
Row of sunshine coloured clothes on coat hangers h Adaptive Fashion
Image of a couple's feet sticking out from the covers in bed and a wheelchair parked alongside. Call for sexuality to be addressed by NDIS
Image of a microphone at a lectern in a formal inquiry chamber Pressure mounts for Disability Royal Commissioners to stand down
Eligibility requirements for the NDIS- Chinese Simplified. Eligibility requirements for the NDIS- Chinese Simplified.
John Walsh - More than Independent Assessments John Walsh - More than Independent Assessments
Woman seated in wheelchair smiling - words say build your dream team Building Your Dream Team
A couple infront of an accesible vehicle in San Fransisco, they are both seated, Carolyn in a wheelchair, Steve in an motorised scooter NDIS Self-management – the ultimate in choice and control of your funding
Man sitting next to a woman NDIS Story - Engineering opportunities with The Brike Project
2 girls smiling and laughing NDIS Story - Gig Buddies rocks inclusion
Man with a hat and bright glasses on performing Nathan's NDIS Story- Today Tweed Heads, tomorrow Hollywood
Computer screen with the NDIS website displayed How to log into the myplace participant portal - NDIS Story
Young lady wearing a police hat NDIS story - Jessie's big day on duty
Lady sitting at a table laughing NDIS at the Source Kids Expo
Two young women standing on an islands edge with flower necklaces NDIS visits Norfolk Island
Picture of three pictures being displayed one with a lady with a guide dog walking down the street one with a young boy and one with a boy and a man looking at a plant What's next for the NDIS?
NDIS Story - Justin's journey to job success NDIS Story - Justin's journey to job success
NDIS Stories: Andrew finds a place of his own NDIS Stories: Andrew finds a place of his own
Young girl with pink glasses looking up and smiling NDIS story: Haya's set for a bright future
Picture of men in a football locker room chatting and laughing NDIS Story - Kicking Goals with the Geelong Dragons
Little boy in his wheelchair on the footpath in the park NDIS Story: Josh's Assistive Technology (AT) supports
Picture of a lady in a wheelchair with a man holding a notebook standing in front of her Assistive Technology in Your Plan - NDIS
Lady and a man standing arm in arm smiling at the camera NDIS Provider Story: Budding filmmakers thrive with Bus Stop Films
Boy sitting in chair in lounge room talking Ram's NDIS Story - Early Intervention Success
Live in Australia written across an orange background with a picture of a house and Australia in a globe About the NDIS (translated languages)
Picture of 3 people standing in a row with one person holding a folder Self Managing your NDIS Plan
Man sitting at a table with a board game set up and a soft drink NDIS - Lindsay's NDIS Story
Image of Mary sitting in her bedroom talking NDIS - Mary's NDIS Story
Lady standing in front of whiteboard speaking Dave and Belinda's NDIS Story
Woman using sign language to speak about the NDIS Working with the NDIS (Auslan)
My NDIS Pathway (Auslan) My NDIS Pathway (Auslan)
Woman signing to a man About the NDIS (Auslan)
NDIS pathways to early intervention NDIS pathways to early intervention
Early intervention and the NDIS approach Early intervention and the NDIS approach
Using your NDIS plan Using your NDIS plan
Two kids playing with toys on the floor Choosing NDIS early childhood support and services.
NDIS Ready: Carers NDIS Ready: Carers
Two men sitting and talking NDIS Ready: The Hub
About the NDIS - Video About the NDIS - Video
NDIS Getting Started NDIS Getting Started
Woman standing in her kitchen talking Willow and Janelle - Create Your NDIS Plan
Picture of child in her wheelchair Siobhan and Caroline - Create Your NDIS Plan
Picture of a woman sitting ready to speak NDIS - Live your life
The words reviewing my plan written across a purple screen My NDIS Pathway
Image of woman speaking About the NDIS Appeals Process
Image of 2 women, one leaning on the other What to take to a NDIS planning meeting?
Image of 2 women, one leaning on the other Managing NDIS funds
Image of 2 women with one leaning on the other Funding for Transport under the NDIS
Making Changes to the NDIS Plan Making Changes to the NDIS Plan
Image of a woman speaking with a purple background NDIS Planning Process
A Story by Shane and Janelle Curry and the NDIS A Story by Shane and Janelle Curry and the NDIS
Lady sitting on a chair in her dinning room NDIS - Leanne and Thomas' Story
NDIS Zac’s story NDIS Zac’s story
Man sitting strapped in wheelchair speaking An NDIS in my Lifetime
Man strapped in wheelchair speaking NDIS Fact Sheet in Auslan
Mother sitting on the lounge playing with 2 daughters Living My Plan - NDIS at Work
2 Men sitting talking NDIS Michael's Story