HILS Takes Part in Meals on Wheels Week 2025
At HILS, we know that delivering meals is about much more than just food – it’s about connection, care, and supporting people to live well. Earlier this month, we celebrated our meals on wheels service across Hampshire, Hertfordshire, and West Sussex, sharing stories, hosting events, and giving people a glimpse behind the scenes of a service that touches so many lives every day.
Sharing Stories and Sparking Conversation Online
Our social media campaign ran throughout the week, highlighting a different theme each day. We heard directly from our clients and drivers about their experiences, explored the links between mental health and nutrition, and celebrated local food heritage across all three counties. Posts also shone a light on the benefits of social eating, encouraging people to see mealtimes as an opportunity to connect and stay engaged.
Celebrating the Heart of the Service: Our Community Team Members
Our Community Team Members – the faces delivering meals day in and day out – were at the centre of the week. We shared an interview with Karl, one of our dedicated drivers, and released a behind-the-scenes video showing the preparation and care that goes into every round.
Visitors from across the region had the chance to shadow our drivers and see the d
ifference they make. In Hampshire, Councillor Stephen Reid joined a round to experience the service first-hand. In West Sussex, Councillors Amanda Jupp and Duncan Crow, along with representatives from Age UK West Sussex, Haywards Heath, and West Sussex Fire and Rescue, spent time on the rounds, gaining a real insight into the impact of our meals on wheels.
Sharing Knowledge: Our First HILS-Wide Webinar
For the first time ever, we hosted a HILS-wide webinar, bringing together members of the public and professionals across Hampshire, Hertfordshire, and West Sussex. Attendees learned about identifying and preventing malnutrition, heard directly from our Nutrition Team, and discovered how our Nutrition Service supports clients every day.
The webinar also featured insights from our Meals Service Manager in Hertfordshire, who shared the realities of delivering meals on wheels, and a vision for the future from our CEO, Sarah Wren. It was a chance to celebrate our teams while showing just how much care, planning, and expertise goes into every meal.
Bringing Communities Together
Community events were another highlight of the week. In Midhurst, West Sussex, we hosted our first
free community lunch, in partnership with Age UK West Sussex and Brighton & Hove – Chichester. Residents enjoyed a delicious meal, entertainment, and activities at The Grange Community and Leisure Centre, highlighting the power of food to bring people together.
In Hertfordshire, we explored new culinary horizons with Coco Labelle, who introduced a cultural food range as part of our menu redevelopment project. Teams also attended various community groups throughout the week, promoting meals on wheels and its many benefits – from nutrition to companionship.
A Moment of Recognition
Photo by Ian Jones
A truly special moment of the week was our CEO Sarah Wren’s visit to Clarence House to meet the
Queen. This moment reflected the growing recognition of HILS and the impact of our meals on wheels service across Hampshire, Hertfordshire, and West Sussex.
Making a Difference Every Day
This week was a celebration of the dedication of our teams, the generosity of our partners, and the lives we touch every day. From delivering hot, nourishing meals to connecting people with their communities, HILS continues to ensure that older and vulnerable residents across Hampshire, Hertfordshire, and West Sussex are supported, nourished, and connected – not just at mealtimes, but every day of the year.
