This year, we have submitted our response to the Casey Commission on Adult Social Care, calling for Meals on Wheels to be recognised as an essential preventative service within England’s future adult social care system.

While many people think of Meals on Wheels as simply the delivery of a hot meal, the reality is much bigger. Every delivery can provide reassurance, a wellbeing check, social contact, support with nutrition and an opportunity to spot concerns before they become emergencies.

For thousands of people across Hampshire, Hertfordshire and West Sussex, that daily knock on the door is often the support that helps them continue living safely and independently at home.

More Than Just a Meal

Meals on Wheels is one of the most practical examples of preventative care in action.

A nutritious meal can help someone maintain their health, strength and wellbeing. But it is the combination of food and human contact that makes the service so valuable.

During a visit, Community Team Members may:

• Carry out an informal wellbeing check
• Notice changes in wellbeing or living conditions
• Help reduce loneliness and isolation
• Encourage good hydration and nutrition
• Provide reassurance to family members and carers
• Connect people to additional support when needed

These regular interactions allow concerns to be identified early, often helping people access support before a situation worsens. HILS is an integral part of the health and social care community in all counties it covers, so we are ideally placed to be able to signpost our meals clients on to other organisations to assist them where needed.

Supporting Independence at Home

Most people want to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. However, everyday tasks such as shopping, cooking or preparing nutritious meals can become increasingly difficult due to illness, frailty, disability or bereavement.

Meals on wheels helps bridge that gap by providing reliable access to nutritious food alongside regular contact and support. In HILS’ client surveys, 95% of respondents said the service had helped them stay independent at home. For many people, that support can be the difference between remaining safely at home or needing more intensive services.

Preventing Health Problems Before They Escalate

Good nutrition is fundamental to good health, yet around one in ten adults aged 65 and over is estimated to be malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. Poor nutrition can contribute to weakness, frailty, falls, slower recovery from illness and increased pressure on health and social care services.

Meals on wheels services help combat these risks by ensuring people have access to regular, nutritious meals that meet their individual needs.

Among HILS customers surveyed:

• 97% said they were better nourished
• 92% said they felt healthier
• 72% said they visited their GP less often

These findings reinforce the role of nutrition as a preventative health intervention.

Helping People Recover After Illness

The transition from hospital to home can be one of the most challenging points in a person’s care journey. Many people return home feeling physically weaker, less mobile and uncertain about how they will manage everyday activities.

Meals on wheels can provide practical support during recovery by ensuring nutritious meals are available while reducing some of the pressure on families and carers.

In HILS surveys, 86% of customers said the service helped them recover more quickly after a period of ill health.  By supporting nutrition and wellbeing after discharge, Meals on Wheels can play an important role in helping people regain confidence and independence.

Supporting Families and Carers

The impact of Meals on wheels extends beyond the individual receiving the service. Families and unpaid carers often carry significant responsibilities while balancing work, childcare and their own health needs. Knowing that a loved one has received a nutritious meal, a wellbeing check and some social contact can provide valuable peace of mind.

In HILS’ Friends and Family Survey:

• 94% said they felt less stressed
• 86% said they had a better relationship with their loved one because of the service.

Supporting carers helps strengthen the wider care system and enables people to continue living independently for longer.

Why Recognition Matters

Despite the benefits, access to meals on wheels varies significantly across the country. HILS believes that where someone lives should not determine whether they can access this essential support.

In our response to the Casey Commission, we are calling for meals on wheels to be formally recognised as an essential preventative adult social care service and for local authorities to ensure appropriate provision is available for people who need it.

This is not about preserving an outdated service. It is about recognising an existing piece of community infrastructure that already delivers prevention, promotes independence and supports healthier ageing.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate Meals on Wheels Week, we want to shine a light on the thousands of people across the country who benefit from these vital services every day.

The future of adult social care cannot be built on crisis response alone. It must also include practical, preventative services that help people stay healthier, safer and more independent for longer.

Meals on wheels already does exactly that.

Read our full response to the Casey Commission to learn more about why Meals on Wheels should have a recognised place within the future of adult social care.