The community service is run by 50 volunteers known fondly as ‘angels’ as they deliver over 150 hot meals into the local community every day. As the population ages and people live longer, demand for the service is growing.
Its primary focus is to improve the lives of hundreds of elderly people in Harrogate by providing a fresh daily meal, preventing social isolation and enabling them to stay in their own homes where possible.
Sue Cawthray, chief executive of Harrogate Neighbours, said: “Last year we delivered meals by horse and carriage and the service users loved it. We wanted to do something a little bit different this year, so we decided to deliver the meals on a vintage 1950s tractor by an angel which evoked lovely memories for our clients.
“The future of meals on wheels looks bleak unless the Government can do more to support this much-needed service. We are supporting an aging population and the service is a lifeline for older and vulnerable people living in our community. We are calling for the Government to ensure funding is available to local councils to safeguard the service now and in the future.”
Harrogate Neighbours is calling for more volunteers to join the force and deliver even more meals to people in the Yorkshire area in need of the service.