Alan Whitehead

Labour Party | Southampton Test

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS FOR MEALS ON WHEELS

City Catering was sparkling as it marked the 60th birthday of the first ever Meals on Wheels in Britain last week.

As part of the National Association of City Catering’s (NACC) diamond anniversary, Labour MP for the Southampton Test, Alan Whitehead took the opportunity to visit the Meals on Wheels base at the Josian Centre in the city on Tuesday, October 2nd.  Lorraine Burton, Coordinating Manager for City Care, showed Dr Whitehead around the Meals on Wheels premises.

Dr Whitehead saw how the meals were put together before visiting service users in the community and took a first-hand look at how valuable the service is to so many residents in Southampton.

He said: “Working with the Council staff as they prepared and delivered the meals, it was clear how much care and efficiency is needed to get all the deliveries done on time.  It is striking how much Meals on Wheels is seen not just as a delivery service, but also as a reliable point of contact for many vulnerable people.  The service has been an integral part of Britain’s social fabric over the last 60 year- and I wish it all the best for the next 60!”

Meals on Wheels plays an important role in the community to support customers, enabling them to have a well balanced meal so the people living on their own get a healthy meal.

Southampton City Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Health, Cllr Ivan White said: “Meals on Wheels is a great service used by so many around the city.  Delivering hot, ready-to-eat meals to the doorstep, it ensures that those less capable of making themselves a well-balanced dinner get the daily nutritional intake.”