This Meals on Wheels Week we have joined leading organisations from across the care, health and public sectors in supporting an open letter calling on the Government to make nutrition and hydration a fundamental pillar of the future National Care Service.
The open letter, coordinated by the National Association of Care Catering (NACC), highlights the critical role that good nutrition plays in maintaining health, supporting recovery, preventing illness and helping people live independently for longer. It has been signed by leaders from organisations across social care, nutrition and public health, including HILS Chief Executive .
Prevention Starts with Good Nutrition
An estimated 1.3 million people aged over 65 in the UK experience malnutrition, with the majority living in the community. Research highlighted within the letter shows that poor nutrition can contribute to increased frailty, falls, ill health and hospital admissions, placing additional pressure on already stretched health and care services.
The letter argues that better investment in preventative support can improve outcomes for individuals while reducing demand on public services. It calls on Government to ensure nutrition and hydration are recognised as essential components of prevention, recovery, wellbeing and dignity.
The Importance of Meals on Wheels
The campaign also highlights the value of meals on wheels services in helping people remain safe, healthy and independent at home. As well as providing a nutritious meal, regular visits can offer reassurance, social interaction, welfare monitoring and peace of mind for families.
At HILS, we know that these services are about much more than food delivery. Every day, our teams support people to maintain their independence, reduce loneliness and stay connected to their communities.
The letter warns that the continued loss of meals on wheels services across the country risks undermining national ambitions to deliver more preventative, community-based care.
Four Key Calls to Government
The organisations behind the letter are calling for four commitments:
- Make nutrition and hydration fundamental to the National Care Service.
- Protect and invest in preventative nutritional services.
- Embed nutritional support across health and social care pathways.
- Strengthen accountability for nutritional outcomes.
Working Towards a Healthier Future
As National Meals on Wheels Week shines a spotlight on the importance of community nutrition services, HILS is proud to support efforts to ensure that nutrition, hydration and preventative care remain central to the future of health and social care.
By investing in the right support at the right time, we can help more people stay healthy, independent and connected to the communities they call home.
