Meals on Wheels Week returns from November 3 – 7, 2025. With the strapline ‘Fighting Hunger and Reducing Loneliness’, this award-winning national event, organised by the National Association of Care Catering (NACC), raises awareness of and celebrates Meals on Wheels services across the country and the vital role they play in supporting older and vulnerable people living in our communities.
This essential service also helps reduce pressure on the NHS and social care. Malnutrition among older people costs the NHS over £13 billion annually, but access to regular meals can prevent hospital admissions, speed recovery and promote wellbeing. For many, the brief chat with a delivery driver may be the only human contact they have all day.
“I don’t just get a meal, I get peace of mind knowing someone will check on me every day,” says Joyce, aged 99.
Themes
Across the UK, Meals on Wheels Week will spotlight the heroes behind the service and raise awareness of its benefits. Each day will highlight a different theme:
Monday, November 3 – VIP on Wheels: local leaders join delivery routes
There’s no better way to convey the value of our services, than seeing it in action and the impact it has on service users. VIP on Wheels is a fantastic opportunity to invite local MPs, VIPs and dignitaries to experience service delivery and celebrate your service and the immense value it adds to the lives of those receiving it.
It is an initiative that brings together the Health and Social Care sector, caterers, service providers, food suppliers, volunteers, carers, older people and the public to raise awareness about the importance of meals delivered in the community – whether via Meals on Wheels services, day centres or lunch clubs for older people and those with vulnerabilities
Tuesday, November 4 – Talent Tuesday: celebrating the cooks, drivers and coordinators
There are so many people working behind the scenes, from those making the meals – the chefs and the rest of the kitchen staff – to the volunteers, drivers and carers. This is the day to showcase the skills that are required to bring together a memorable service.
Wednesday, November 5 – Wellness Wednesday: the link between nutrition, wellbeing and independence
Not all vulnerable and older people have the luxury of leaving their homes, for a host of reasons. Meals on Wheels is more than just a meal. It offers these individuals connection with people, an opportunity for wellbeing checks and in some cases a smile and chat in person with another human.
Thursday, November 6 – Thank You Thursday: recognising staff, volunteers and supporters
Show your appreciation for everyone that contributes to Meals on Wheels services, whether that’s the team members making the meals, volunteers, drivers, carers, or those that work behind the scenes, today is the day to show our gratitude.
Friday, November 7 – Friday Friends: community lunches and celebrations of food and friendship
Friday Friends brings people in our communities together to share the joy of food and time. This may be at a lunch club, a day centre, or a care home could invite the local community in for afternoon tea. And where this may not be possible, why not simply invite a neighbour for lunch? This small gesture is sure to have an immense impact.
Neel Radia, National Chair of the National Association of Care Catering says: “Meals on Wheels provides so much more than just a meal. Every delivery brings nutritious food, vital welfare checks, and friendly human contact – helping older and vulnerable people live independently, safely, and with dignity in their own homes.
“Meals on Wheels is about care, connection, and independence. At the NACC, we are proud to celebrate the service and the people who make it possible.”
