Meals on Wheels is a service that provides meals and social contact to adults who are unable to leave their home to get food, or prepare their own meals.
There is no single definition of Meals on Wheels. Indeed, not all providers in the UK call their service ‘Meals on Wheels’. Often, the service is called ‘Community Meals’, ‘Meals (at Home) Service’, ‘Mobile Meals’, or ‘Meal Delivery Service’.
Most services in the UK deliver a daily hot meal, whilst others might deliver less often. Some deliver chilled and/or frozen meals, either in addition to the hot meal or as a substitute e.g. hot meals on weekdays plus chilled or frozen meals to reheat over the weekend.
Photo (c) Health & Independent Living Support (HILS) 2024
What do Meals on Wheels Provide?
In addition to delivering a meal, most services will offer social interaction.
Providers may also plate up the meal, store frozen meals safely in the freezer, and ensure that the recipients of the service are well and safe in their home.
You can find out about the specific services offered by providers who deliver to your address by using our Meals on Wheels UK map.
Who Can Access Meals on Wheels?
Many providers in the UK have no criteria for who can access Meals on Wheels. In fact, our research highlighted that the stereotype that Meals on Wheels is “only for old people” is not true.
Generally, the service can be used by anyone who needs a meal but cannot make it themselves due to a physical or mental condition, a disability or an illness, irrespective of adult age. For example, you may just have been discharged from hospital but be unable to shop for food or cook until you feel better.
If you are interested in accessing a service you can usually ‘self-refer’, or the referral can be made by a family member, neighbour or friend, a GP or nurse, or a hospital discharge team.
Some providers do have eligibility criteria, which are usually reported on their website. These might include someone’s age, health, or living conditions. Often, referrals to these Meals on Wheels providers are made by a health care professional or a principal social worker, following a needs assessment.
Our Meals on Wheels UK map will help you to find providers who deliver to your address. They can discuss your needs and will be able to answer any questions you may have about their service.
Benefits of Meals on Wheels
Our research has demonstrated four crucial benefits of Meals on Wheels
Accessing a daily meal
The meals require little to no preparation, making it easy for users of the service to have a tasty, nutritious meal every day
Reducing social isolation
It’s usually the same drivers who deliver the meal. This human contact and seeing a familiar face can improve overall wellbeing
Safety and wellbeing
Drivers who deliver the meals can check for safety around the home and the wellbeing of users of the service, and alert an emergency contact if they identify any concerns
Promoting independence
Receiving Meals on Wheels can prevent or delay the move into a care home, supporting users of the service to continue living in their own home and communities for longer
Photo (c) Health & Independent Living Support (HILS) 2024
People who took part in our research told us that Meals on Wheels have additional benefits:
Benefits for service users
The reliability of the service contributes to feeling supported
The consistency of deliveries could be particularly beneficial for people living with dementia
The service is easy to set up, making it easy to access a meal
Benefits for family members
The wellbeing checks offer peace of mind
The service is essential for family members who are carers, supporting them with the care of their loved one
The service can reduce pressures on carers, allowing them to take some time off their caring responsibilities
Benefits for Meals on Wheels staff
Delivering the meals helps develop mutually rewarding relationships with users of the service
Working for the service promotes a sense of pride
Supporting adults who need care felt like giving back to the community
‘The Fourth Emergency Service‘
Drivers who deliver the meals are often the first responder to an emergency
Some Meals on Wheels services work together with other emergency agencies, including the fire service (e.g. to install smoke alarms), the police and medical emergency departments to ensure the wellbeing of users of the service
I never forget a night when it was really bad snow and I delivered to one lady and she was just like… She was nearly in tears, she said, “I really thought I wasn’t going to see anybody today or get any meals. You feel like the fourth emergency service.”
