COMMUNITY Meals on Wheels Week has celebrated a service which is making a real difference to people across Cheshire West and Chester.
The council works in partnership with Winsford- based company Apetito who provide the service delivering more than 1,600 meals a week across the whole of the borough.
This vital service helps people to remain living at home by providing daily access to high quality nutritious meals. The four week menu is changed regularly to give lots of choice and make the best use of seasonal fruit and vegetables.
Meals are cooked “en-route” in innovative vehicles called Chefmobils. Each Chefmobil holds a total of 57 hot meals in its three computerised ovens. There is also a fourth section for refrigeration. Seven vehicles make up the fleet for Cheshire West and Chester.
Thanks to the technology of the Chefmobil, the meals arrive at their destination at the perfect temperature and are also checked by thermometer before they are delivered straight to the client’s door.
All drivers carry an Apetito identity card so the elderly and vulnerable have no worries about security.
The council’s executive member for adult social care and health, Councillor Brenda Dowding, said: “I have helped deliver Community Meals on Wheels with the Apetito team and know firsthand what an excellent service it is.
“As well as keeping active, diet is a vital component in ensuring that we remain healthy as we get older. Getting the right daily nutrition is important and eating the correct foods for complex dietary needs, such as diabetes or the many food intolerances that can occur in later life is also essential.
“I’m also happy to report that we are currently working on introducing a teatime delivery slot for those people who would prefer their hot meal in the early evening.”
The service is available seven days a week 365 days a year including all bank holidays.
Community Meals on Wheels is available to people aged 18 or over who are unable to prepare and cook a hot meal. If you think the service could be for you or if you would like to request an assessment call the Cheshire West and Chester Council Advice and Contact Team on 0300 123 8 123 and select Option 2.
