BHS spokesman Daniel Anderson said the organisation was still in the process of evaluating the impact the loss of the contract would have on staffing levels.

The Courier understands there will be multiple job losses and some staff may also have their hours cut.

“We are unable to confirm exact numbers,” Mr Anderson said. 

“We expect there will be some job losses in our catering division associated with the loss of the City of Ballarat Meals on Wheels contract.”

BHS has been providing the service to the community through the Ballarat City Council since 1969.

However, the council announced earlier this year the city’s Meals on Wheels catering contract was outsourced to the I Cook Catering Service in Dandenong. 

The most recent three-year contract with BHS expired at the beginning of the year.

A subsequent tender was advertised by the council from February through to the end of March.

City of Ballarat mayor Des Hudson said under the Local Government Act, the Meals on Wheels tender had to be advertised due to its amount.

He said a rigorous, fair and transparent process was undertaken to award the tender to the best recipient from an extensive list of applicants.

Cr Hudson said the tender process included a review of applications against stringent tender requirements.

The council also undertook site visits to the catering premises of applicants, discussions with supply companies and consultation with Meals on Wheels clients and community members.

“From a Ballarat perspective we always try to keep as much business in the city as possible which is evident from our work in the Ballarat Industry Participation Program,” Cr Hudson said.

However, Cr Hudson said in this instance a company outside of Ballarat was identified as the clear choice to meet the growing needs of the Meals on Wheels program.  

About 2000 meals are delivered to isolated community members every week through the service.