The effusive celebrity chef, 80, is using her reputation and influence to head up the Maggie Beer Foundation and has been working to put delicious food onto the plates of vulnerable elderly Australians.

Speaking at the National Press Club in Canberra today, Beer said the government cash injection to her foundation for first-of-its-kind specialised chef training in aged care homes will run out in 2026.

In a submission on the Aged Care Bill 2024, The Maggie Beer Foundation Trainer Mentor Program asked for an extension to its funding beyond September 2026.

The Maggie Beer Foundation has petitioned for $15.3 million across three years to fund its program to improve food in aged care and solutions for older people recieving care at home.

Beer also issued a plea to the Federal Minister for Ageing and Seniors Sam Rae, who was sitting in the room in Canberra today, for more funding.

“We run a very lean show. And there’s no money for us to be funded,” she said.

“I can’t bear to think of it as being lost. It’s so very valuable.

“So you can be sure I will be advocating fiercely again to the government to support the program.”