Prior to the outbreak of Covid-19, it was reported that three million people in the UK had been affected by malnutrition in some way and of this group 1.3m were over 65-years-old. There are now over five million adults experiencing food insecurity, which can lead to nutritional health issues.
The community collaboration aims to raise awareness of malnutrition and the vital meals on wheels service provided by Harrogate & Ripon Food Angels.
Sue Cawthray, chief executive of Harrogate Neighbours, said: “There is a real risk of malnutrition amongst the elderly and more vulnerable adults within the community which we know can be prevented.
“Our service is an essential lifeline for so many people, so it is important that we continue to raise the profile of the Harrogate & Ripon Food Angels, particularly during National Meals on Wheels Week and as we approach a second lockdown, so we can support those who would benefit so much from the service we provide.
“I am also the national chair at the National Association of Care Catering (NACC) which hosts the annual National Meals on Wheels awareness week. We are so grateful for the support we have had this year from businesses who have dedicated their time to help raise the profile of a service which has never been more pertinent to support the elderly in the community.”
Businesses giving up their time to deliver meals include Essential Cuisine, Rudding Park, The Body Shop, Spirit of Gin and MainteCity. All volunteers will follow the government guidelines and protocol, wearing full PPE to protect themselves and others.
Andrew Rogerson, regional account manager at Essential Cuisine, added: “I try to volunteer at Harrogate Food Angels at least two or three times a year, and have been doing so for the past seven years. It’s so rewarding to see the difference that these meals make to people’s lives, particularly at this challenging time.
“This year we really wanted to give something back, by donating British supplied ingredients to Harrogate Neighbours to thank them for the amazing work they do each and every day."