Duchess of Cornwall becomes honorary member of NACC

In October 2008, Her Royal Highness played an instrumental role in raising awareness of the Community Meals Service by helping deliver a meal through Aberdeen Council to Mr Alexander (Sandy) Irvine, a resident of Ballater, Deesside. During the visit, she met with members of the NACC and discussed with them how the continued provision of a community meals service is a valuable part of a range of care at home services for people who are unable to cook for themselves. The NACC, which represents professional caterers within the UK care sector, extended the invitation to Her Royal Highness after the interest she took in the subject. The Duchess's acceptance of the Honorary Membership of the NACC continues the link that the Royal Family has with the Community Meals Service. In 1997 Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother showed her support by lunching on roast beef followed by apple pie, delivered by Meals on Wheels to Clarence House. Sue Ullmann, chair of the NACC commented: "We are absolutely delighted that The Duchess of Cornwall has accepted our invitation to become an Honorary Member at this year's annual conference. "When I met Her Royal Highness last year, she demonstrated a keen interest in the subject of elderly nutrition and how the community meals service can play a significant preventative care role by helping people to remain healthy and well-nourished through receiving a regular nutritionally-balanced meal." The Community Meals Service has been operating for 62 years and each year delivers approximately 23 million meals to around 20,000 vulnerable elderly throughout the UK. A recent survey by the NACC has revealed that more than 40% of local authorities are expecting to reduce their community meals provision because of funding shortfalls.