Meals on Wheels Week aims to raise awareness of services across the country that play a vital role in supporting older and vulnerable people to access a nutritious meal.
Loneliness and social isolation are prevalent in communities and Meals on Wheels, together with lunch clubs and day centres, play a critical role in reducing this.
Sue Cawthray, national chair of the NACC, said: "This year as people face a winter where fuel bills hit an all-time high and, in some cases, may be making decisions on whether to ‘heat or eat’ the NACC is ensuring that its Meals on Wheels week is once again raising the profile of such a vital service across the UK to those key decision makers and influencers.”
For more than 30 years, the NACC has been committed to raising standards of care catering and championing the positive impact nutrition, hydration and mealtimes have on the physical and emotional health and wellbeing of older and vulnerable people in care settings.
Neel Radia, Meals on Wheels project lead for the NACC, added: “The Covid-19 pandemic has given the nation a real glimpse of the value of Meals on Wheels services and the nutritional and emotional support they provide to the vulnerable living at home in the community. As well as a long-term solution, it is also a short-term answer for those discharged from hospitals who may need temporary support as they convalesce back to good health.”