To coincide with national Meals on Wheels Week. Hampshire County Council is reminding local residents that Meals on Wheels are available to anyone with a long-term health condition. Who may struggle to shop for or prepare food for themselves.

Councillor Liz Fairhurst, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Lead Member for Adult Services and Public Health said: “Having access to and eating nutritious meals is important all year round. And particularly so during the colder months when we are more susceptible to illness. People with long term health conditions or illnesses can sometimes neglect this important aspect of their daily routine. So vital for their overall health and wellbeing. So we want to remind Hampshire residents that the service is available – both for short periods, as well as in the longer term.”

Meals on Wheels are designed for anyone over the age of 18 living with a health condition. Who has difficulty shopping or cooking for themselves. Full details, including eligibility criteria, are available on the County Council’s Meals on Wheels web page.

Hampshire County Council’s Meals on Wheels are provided by Health and Independent Living Support (HILS). And currently cost £8.50 for a two-course hot meal (a third course is £1.50 extra), with afternoon tea costing £3.95.

Councillor Fairhurst continued: “The Hampshire Meals services comes with the added benefit of a wellbeing check. With delivery drivers trained to spot customers who may need extra support. Staying connected is important – the Meals on Wheels service is often so much more than just a meal. Bringing regular human contact, which for many may be the only interaction they enjoy during the day.”

National Meals on Wheels Week is organised by the National Association of Care Caterers. To celebrate the service and the vital role it plays in supporting older and vulnerable people living in local communities across the country.

More information and resources about the importance of keeping connected is available on the County Council’s Live Longer Better website pages. And via Connect to Support Hampshire.