Meals on Wheels Week aims to highlight the social, economic, psychological and preventative benefits of Meals on Wheels and Community Meals services in the UK, whether delivered to homes or via day centres and luncheon clubs.
The week long campaign also encourages public support for the service as well as raising awareness of loneliness, social isolation and the wellbeing of older people living in the community. The NACC are calling upon the whole care and hospitality sector and the supply chain to show some strong support with this year’s activities.
A spokesperson said: “Meals on Wheels and Community Meals services afford older and vulnerable people nutritious food, friendly human interaction and wellbeing checks – all vital ingredients which allow people to live independently in their own homes.
“It keeps people nourished and hydrated with a nutritious daily meal (in many cases the only one they will eat each day) and provides an essential preventative service that reduces costly malnutrition-related admissions to hospital which are adding to the terrible strain on the NHS.
“For the majority of service users, Meals on Wheels is so much more than just a meal. It’s a lifeline that eases the devastating effects of isolation and loneliness.”
The Meals on Wheels Week theme days include:
- Launch Day (Monday 30th October): The NACC has commissioned The Association of Public Sector Excellence (APSE) to conduct research into the provision of Local Authority Community Meals on Wheels services, still in service across the UK in 2023.
- Thank You day (Tuesday 31st October): This day is dedicated to showing appreciation for teams. For everyone that contributes, whether that’s making the meals, volunteers, drivers, carers or those that work behind the scenes, today is the day to show gratitude.
- VIP on Wheels (Wednesday 1st November): VIP on Wheels is a fantastic opportunity to invite local MPs, VIPs and dignitaries to experience service delivery and celebrate your service and the immense value it adds to the lives of those receiving it.
- Crossing Boarders- Meals on Wheels in Ireland (Thursday 2nd November): The NACC is hosting a free webinar, to share meals on wheels models operating in other countries. The webinar is an hour long and will give you the opportunity to learn what they are doing, how they are funded and services they offer, and more.
- Friday Friends (Friday 3rd November): A special day to highlight the importance of social eating and how it helps reduce loneliness and social isolation. Friday Friends will bring people in our communities together to share the joy of food and time.