Businesses support Harrogate Neighbours for Meals on Wheels Week

Harrogate Neighbours and Harrogate and Ripon Food Angels have teamed up with local businesses to mark Meals on Wheels Week (2nd-6th November) - delivering dinners with a difference to the elderly in Harrogate.

Each day throughout the week, a representative from a local, or supporting business will join the team of volunteers and staff from Harrogate and Ripon Food Angels to deliver fresh, hot, home-cooked meals to those most in need in the community.

Prior to the outbreak of COVID-19, it was reported that 3 million people in the UK have been affected by malnutrition in some way, of this group 1.3 million are over 65. Since the pandemic, there are now over 5 million adults experiencing food insecurity which can lead to nutritional health issues, these can be prevented through dedicated meals on wheels services like the Harrogate & Ripon Food Angels.

Companies giving up their time and taking to the road to deliver the meals throughout the week include, Essential Cuisine, which has donated stock and gravy for the meals, Rudding Park, The Body Shop at Home, which will deliver beauty samples to each client, Spirit of Gin and MainteCity. The community wide collaboration hopes to raise awareness of malnutrition and the vital meals on wheels service provided by Harrogate & Ripon Food Angels to reach out to those in need of a daily meal delivered to their door.

All volunteers will follow strict government guidelines and protocol, this includes wearing full PPE to protect themselves and others around them throughout the week.

The daughter of a client who receives regular meals from the Harrogate & Ripon Food Angels said, “my mother had been losing a lot of weight and not eating. It took some time to persuade her to sign up for the meals, but when she finally got started and after just two weeks, we could see how much better she looked having put a little bit of weight on. The meals have been a godsend and my mother really does benefit from the service provided.”

Sue Cawthray, CEO of Harrogate Neighbours, said: "The response we've had from the businesses who have taken part has been fantastic. They've been amazed with the conversations they've been having with our clients.

"They've seen how our volunteers form strong bonds and friendships with our clients and that's what our service is all about. It's not just about providing a meal, but it's a friendly face and that conversation too."

Andrew Rogerson, Regional Account Manager at Essential Cuisine, said, “I try to volunteer at Harrogate Food Angels at least two or three times a year, and have been doing so for the past seven years. It’s so rewarding to see the difference that these meals make to people’s lives, particularly at this challenging time.

“This year we really wanted to give something back, by donating British supplied ingredients to Harrogate Neighbours to thank them for the amazing work they do each and every day."

Speaking on behalf of Harrogate Neighbours, Sue Cawthray, CEO said, “There is a real risk of malnutrition amongst the elderly and more vulnerable adults within the community which we know can be prevented. Our service is an essential lifeline for so many people, so it is important that we continue to raise the profile of the Harrogate & Ripon Food Angels, particularly during National Meals on Wheels Week and as we approach a second lockdown, so we can support those who would benefit so much from the service we provide.

“As well as the CEO of Harrogate Neighbours, I am also the National Chair at the National Association of Care Catering (NACC) which hosts the annual National Meals on Wheels awareness week. We are so grateful for the support we have had this year from businesses who have dedicated their time to help raise the profile of a service which has never been more pertinent to support the elderly in the community.”

To help support Harrogate Neighbours through volunteering, donating, fundraising, sponsoring an event or to join the team please visit www.hnha.co.uk or call 01423 888777.