Get Involved with Meals on Wheels Week

Meals on Wheels Week, the award-winning national event, organised by the National Association of Care Catering (NACC), raises awareness of and celebrates Meals on Wheels services across the country and the vital role they play in supporting older and vulnerable people living in our communities.

This initiative, which takes place on 4th-8th November 2024, brings together the health and social care sectors, caterers, service providers, food suppliers, volunteers, carers, older people and the public to raise awareness about the importance of meals delivered in the community – whether via Meals on Wheels services, day centres or lunch clubs for older people and those with vulnerabilities.

Different activities are planned for each day of Meals on Wheels Week to highlight some of the particular elements that it delivers.

 Monday 4th November - Multi-Cultural Monday

The UK has a multi-cultural demographic for older and vulnerable people requiring the service. Multi-Cultural Monday is about recognising the diversity of the Meals on Wheels service, and how it connects and offers meals that cater for all. 

Tuesday 5th November - Thank you Tuesday

Thyis is the day to show appreciation for everyone that contributes to Meals on Wheels services, whether that’s the team members making the meals, volunteers, drivers, carers, or those who work behind the scenes, today is the day to show gratitude.

Wednesday 6th November - VIP on Wheels

There’s no better way to convey the value of the Meals on Wheels services, than seeing it in action and the impact it has on service users. VIP on Wheels offers a fantastic opportunity to invite local MPs, VIPs and dignitaries to experience service delivery and celebrate both the service and the immense value it adds to the lives of those receiving it.

Thursday 7th November - Connect Thursday

Not all vulnerable and older people have the luxury of leaving their homes for a whole host of reasons. Meals on Wheels is more than just a meal, and offers these individuals a connection with people, an opportunity for wellbeing checks and, in some cases, a smile and chat in person with another human being. This is the day when service users are encouraged to share examples of how they connect with their service users.

Friday 8th November - Friday Friends

Today is the day to highlight the importance of social eating and how it helps reduce loneliness and social isolation. Friday Friends will bring communities together to share the joy of food and time. This could be at a lunch club or a day centre, or alternatively care homes can use the opportunity to invite their local community in for afternoon tea. In addition, everyone is encouraged to simply invite a neighbour for lunch. This small gesture can have an immense impact

The week is also an ideal opportunity to spotlight the social contribution of Meals on Wheels services. Loneliness and social isolation are prevalent in our communities and Meals on Wheels, together with lunch clubs and day centres, play a critical role in reducing this.

Neel Radia, national chair of the NACC and lead for Meals on Wheels Week comments: “Last year we released a report in partnership with Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE), which showed that our vital Meals on Wheels services on the brink of collapse, with only 29% still in operation across the UK operated by Local Authorities, and fewer than 18% in England. Anecdotally, this situation has not improved.

“Since the NACC started this campaign over 30 years ago, Meals on Wheels Week remains relevant. We are asking the public to support local meal services that help address loneliness, social isolation, and safety in the community for older and vulnerable people.”

 For further information on how to get involved, visit: thenacc.co.uk/events/meals-on-wheels-week-2024

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