DVA meal preparation

DVA in-home cooking services

Fresh meals prepared at home for eligible DVA-funded veterans, with quoting, bookings, and direct invoicing, all handled by us.

Request a quote

Cook preparing fresh food in a home kitchen

Who we support

Practical meal support for veterans and their support networks

I Hate Cooking provides in-home cooking and meal preparation services for eligible veterans funded through the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

VeteransFresh, home-cooked meals prepared in your own kitchen.

FamiliesLess pressure around shopping, cooking, and day-to-day meals.

Support organisationsClear referrals, quotes, service delivery, and invoicing.

Funding

How DVA meal preparation works

DVA funding for meal preparation is usually allocated as an hourly service. Once we understand the approved hours and services, we help structure the booking so the time is used well.

1Share the approval detailsSend through your determination letter or approved service information so we can understand the allocation.
2We prepare a quoteWe quote within the approved allocation and confirm any possible additional costs up front.
3We match a suitable cookWe check availability and match you with a cook close to your location.
4We invoice DVA directlyApproved services can be invoiced directly, so there is no out-of-pocket cost for the services. Groceries are covered by the client.

Two hours per week often is not enough to prepare a full week of meals. We work with your allocation to get the most meals possible with your funding.

Meal outcomes

Making the most of a small allocation

We work efficiently to create multiple dishes, portion them clearly, and leave more ready-to-heat meals for the days ahead.

15 - 25+ meals

We tailor the service to your available support hours and approved extras. A typical 2-hour service can often provide around 15 meals, while longer, less frequent appointments allow us to prepare significantly more.

Transparent top-ups

If funding does not fully cover the preferred service, clients can choose a personal contribution. Costs are confirmed before anything is booked.

Better value from approved time

Batching approved hours into a practical cooking block can provide more value than short weekly visits.

Services

Services DVA clients can access

Services are subject to funding, local cook availability, and the client’s kitchen setup.

Full Cook

25+ meals

Five dishes prepared in one session, portioned, labelled, and ready to heat.

Mini Cook

15+ meals

Three dishes for smaller households, smaller appetites, or lighter support needs.

Kitchen Hand

Prep support

Meal prep, ingredient prep, or meal kit support where kitchen assistance is a better fit.

Kitchen Reset

Pantry organisation

Pantry, fridge, freezer, and kitchen organisation support where approved and available.

Before the first cook

What helps the visit run smoothly

Kitchen readiness

Please have clear bench space, a working oven or oven-free meal request, and onsite parking available where possible.

Dietary information

Share dietary requirements in advance so we can plan recipes, substitutions, and any equipment needs.

Kitchen challenges

If the kitchen has access or equipment challenges, send a quick photo or note and we will advise on the best option.

Custom meals

Off-menu cooking may be available in some locations depending on cook experience and availability.

For organisations

Referrals for veteran support organisations

We work with organisations across Australia who manage services for veterans and need reliable in-home meal preparation support.

Nationwide coverage

We operate across all major cities and many regional areas. If we don’t currently have a cook in your area, we’ll always endeavour to find someone suitable where possible.

Simple referral process

Complete a referral or send the client details and approved budget, and we can prepare a quote within the allocation.

Clear service delivery

We source a cook, manage the booking, and send invoices according to the agreed process.

1Send client details and approved budgetInclude the service approval, location, and end date.
2We prepare a quote within allocationWe confirm the best use of the allocation.
3We source a cook in the areaConfirm capacity or endeavour to find someone suitable.
4We manage bookings and invoicingWe send the invoice to you (or DVA) once the booking is completed.

Food and safety

Dietary requirements and cook standards

Dietary requirements

We can support gluten free, dairy free, low FODMAP, diabetic friendly, keto, low carb, vegetarian, vegan, post-bariatric, AIP, GAPS, and other requirements where practical.

Qualified cooks

Our cooks hold food handling certification, follow food safety legislation, are covered by public liability insurance, and police checks are available on request.

Next step

Request a DVA quote

Open the quote form below and share the approved service details so we can check fit, availability, and the best way to use the allocation.

Referral

Submit a referral

Use this form when you are referring on behalf of a veteran or organisation.

Still checking fit?

Need help working out the best option?

Contact us with the approval details, location, and any dietary or kitchen notes, and we will help confirm the next step.