It is feared that the service will not survive another round of Government cuts and the NACC estimates that the figure is now closer to half of top tier councils.
Neel Radia, chair of the NACC, said: “Removing this vital lifeline for elderly people not only puts more pressure on our hospitals and NHS staff but is also dangerous for those who rely on the service.
“Maintaining good nutrition and the human contact that comes with this is key to ensuring that our elderly are able to live independently in good health for as long as possible.
“Cutting this service puts vulnerable, elderly members of the community at risk and will also end up costing the country far more money.
“The service needs protecting in law and the NACC calls upon the Government to act immediately to do so.”
The service is not protected in statutory law and the Government’s Spending Review is due later this month.
Malnutrition costs the country more than £19bn as stated by NHS England in their commissioning report. According to the NACC the average cost of Meals on Wheels per day is £3.62 whereas the average cost of a patient staying in hospital for the day is £300, excluding any food, treatment or medicine.
Meals on Wheels Week began yesterday (9th) and ends on November 15th.