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Elderly and vulnerable residents from across the borough are receiving daily hot, nutritional meals, as part of Woking Borough Council’s commitment to support residents in need during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.
Demand for the borough’s community meals service has soared. Last week alone saw over 1,300 meal deliveries to residents, an unprecedented increase when compared with the same time last year.
Julie Meme, Woking Borough Council’s Home Independence Manager, said: “A balanced, nutritional diet is essential for maintaining good health, especially during these challenging times.
“The referrals-only service supports residents who are unable to prepare food themselves such as the elderly, frail and vulnerable. In addition, we are supporting residents who have been discharged early from hospital, meaning they can return home and help relieve pressure on the NHS.
“To support the increase in demand, our small team of dedicated kitchen staff and drivers have been boosted by Council staff who have been redeployed from other parts the organisation, who are all doing a fantastic job. Whilst demand has increased, it’s important to know that the service continues to have capacity to meet current and future demand.”
“It has been so heart-warming to witness the community’s reaction to our service. Many of our team have received applause and thanks from neighbours as they go about their deliveries during these challenging times.
Cllr David Bittleston, Leader of Woking Borough Council, said: “In times like these, community meals delivers a vital service to the community. The team is doing an incredible job to ensure that we continue to support people and keep residents in need nutritionally well fed, safe and secure.”
The community meals service delivers a lunchtime hot meal with dessert, teatime meal and a breakfast pack for the following day, up to seven-days-a-week. Special dietary needs are also available such as gluten free, soft diet and Halal meal options.
To find out more and apply for community meals please visit www.woking.gov.uk/communitymeals or email community.meals@woking.gov.uk
Anyone wishing to volunteer their time to support vulnerable residents within their community are asked to register their interest by visiting the Volunteer Plus website volunteerplus.org.uk/centres/woking