This week, as part of Meals on Wheels Week 2025, we were delighted to welcome Cllr Amanda Jupp, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, and Cllr Duncan Crow, Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue, to our Ford site in West Sussex.
The visit highlighted the vital role our meals on wheels service plays in supporting older and vulnerable residents across the county.
The councillors toured the facility, met our team, and saw first-hand how our service goes beyond delivering hot, nutritious meals. Each visit includes a friendly wellbeing check, offering reassurance, social interaction, and a vital connection for those who may otherwise be isolated.
Cllr Crow reflected on the visit, saying:
“I was shocked to discover that fewer than 18% of England is covered by a meals on wheels service. It’s fantastic that West Sussex County Council is able to commission this support locally. Around 1,000 residents have benefited from this service this year alone.”
HILS runs two meals on wheels hubs across West Sussex: Ford, covering the south of the county, and Horsham, serving the north. Our drivers are a familiar and friendly presence in the community, bringing both nourishment and companionship to those who need it most.
Celebrating Meals on Wheels Week
The councillors’ visit coincides with Meals on Wheels Week, a national celebration recognising the essential work of hot meal delivery services. This week is about raising awareness of how these services support older adults to live independently, safely, and healthily at home.
You can learn more about Meals on Wheels Week here and discover how you can support or refer someone in need.
We are extremely grateful to Cllr Jupp and Cllr Crow for taking the time to visit, and for their ongoing support of a service that nourishes both body and spirit.
Whether you’d like to donate, volunteer, or refer someone, you can help HILS meals on wheels support older people across West Sussex, Hampshire, and Hertfordshire. Get involved today!
