Meals on wheels service in plea for funding help

A meals on wheels service has launched an urgent fundraising appeal for £10,000 throughout 2022 amid an "unprecedented" 10% rise in food costs.

Southampton-based City Catering delivers hot meals to homes and undertakes welfare checks through its Care Meals scheme, as well as supporting care homes and day centres. It serves 36,000 meals a year to over 180 people, the majority who are aged 65 and above and live alone.

As food costs rise, the charity is urging people to help it raise funds so it can avoid passing on its increased costs to its customers. Meals on wheels customers are often supported by care packages to fund their meals or use their own income, with the charity keeping prices as low as it can.

Martin Orman, deputy chief executive, who oversees the service, says: “We run a vital service for many residents, and our demand has increased significantly throughout the pandemic. We are incredibly concerned of the impact of various rising costs on our customers – for fuel, energy, and food. These rises are a result of many colliding industry pressures throughout the supply chain, but we are determined to do what we can to not pass the costs on to our customers. However, we really need to raise funds to be able to do this and are grateful for any support that the local community can offer.” 

The service often reports 99% customer satisfaction in their annual surveys, and a recent piece of feedback said: “I would just like to put on record our sincere gratitude for all you and your staff have done for us. You have been an absolute lifeline to us throughout our contract with you and the meals you provided for mum.” 

City Catering is aiming to raise roughly £45 a day throughout 2022.

You can donate via its JustGiving campaign page here, with details of a spring fundraiser set to be released soon.