The annual campaign, led by the National Association of Care Catering (NACC), aims to highlight the vital role meal delivery services play in enabling people to live independently at home. Woking's service operates 365 days a year, providing nutritious and affordable meals to those who find it difficult to shop for or prepare food themselves.
Catering to diverse dietary, cultural, and texture needs, including vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, allergen-friendly, and puréed options, the service has a significant positive impact. A recent customer survey revealed that over 80% of clients feel better nourished and happier, 75% report feeling healthier, 71% feel less lonely, 79% feel more independent, and 86% believe the service helps them continue living at home.
The dedicated team behind the service was recognised as a finalist in the NACC Meals on Wheels Awards 2026 for their care, compassion, and professionalism. A family member shared, "My mum has been having community meals for a month now and it has made such a difference to her wellbeing. She loves the meals and having a hot meal regularly at lunchtime has made a big difference to her mood. The team who deliver are lovely and having someone pop in at roughly the same time helps her regulate the day."
Beyond meal delivery, the team provides crucial support, making 26 referrals to additional services and identifying eight customers needing urgent NHS intervention in the first six months of 2026. They also facilitated 16 Homesafe Plus referrals for safe hospital discharge.
Cllr Steve Greentree, Woking Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Communities, stated, "Our community meals service is about far more than just providing a hot meal. Every delivery brings reassurance, companionship and an opportunity to check on someone’s wellbeing. Our dedicated team helps residents maintain their independence, stay connected to their community and live safely in their own homes. I’d encourage anyone who would benefit from the service, or knows someone who would, to give it a try."
To mark Meals on Wheels Week, new customers can sign up for a free two-day trial. To register, email community.meals@woking.gov.uk quoting ‘Meals on Wheels Week’. More information is available at www.woking.gov.uk/communitymeals.
