NACC calls for increased government funding during Meals on Wheels week

The National Association of Care Catering (NACC) has called on the government to increase funding for Meals on Wheels services during Meals on Wheels Week.

The week began with an afternoon tea at the House of Lords and will be followed by VIP on Wheels this Wednesday, International Meals on Wheels Webinar on Thursday and Friday Friends.

These events will give people the chance to recognise the impact of Meals on Wheels as it continues to support the most vulnerable and elderly members of society through the provision of nutritious at-home meals.

The NACC has been campaigning for a week-long celebration of Meals on Wheels for the past 25 years.

It comes as Meals on Wheels faces threats of social care funding cuts, with figures from 2019 reporting that over half of local authorities had already shut down these services.

Neel Radia, NACC lead for Meals on Wheels, said: “Meals on Wheels week, and raising awareness of its immense value has never been as important as it is today, as we brace ourselves to see even more meals on wheels providers face closure this winter at a time when the country is in a cost-of-living crisis and so many vulnerable and elderly will have to make the soul-destroying decision this winter, on whether to heat their home or eat.”

Baroness Pitkeathley, who hosted the event at the House of Lords, added: “I am delighted that you are having not just a day but an entire week to celebrate Meals on Wheels. So often these preventative services are the first to be cut which to anyone who takes an interest in social care will know is totally the wrong decision to make.”

The NACC also aims to alleviate the pressures from the NHS’ bed-blocking crisis by encouraging the government to invest in support services like Meals on Wheels, which will enable patients to return home safely.

Sue Cawthray, national chair of the NACC, said: “Health and Social Care is in its biggest crisis ever with real staff shortages as we see 165,000 vacancies alone in care and catering staff shortages continue to rise too.

“Like so many areas of the social care sector, meals on wheels requires greater government funding to support older and vulnerable people living within our communities.”

“Please be assured the NACC will continue to fight the battle to raise the issues we face in care catering with those key decision makers, today and everyday until we make progress and get the result we need. Please do not let the vulnerable in our communities this winter chose whether to heat or eat!”