Council staff dish up festive treat
Released: 31 December 2007
Staff served up a Christmas treat to hundreds of people who rely on Meals on Wheels in Wolverhampton.
City council employees have been working over the festive period to ensure customers continue to receive the vital service.
Tucking into a festive feast with the nearest and dearest is a Christmas ritual for most. But for some, including those who may be housebound or who can not see friends and family on the big day, it can be a difficult time of year, during which the Meals on Wheels services are particularly valued.
Staff have been working throughout Christmas to deliver tasty meals to hundreds of homes around the city - and will continue during the New Year. On Christmas Day, recipients feasted on a choice of turkey with all the trimmings, roast duck, smoked haddock or vegetarian hotpot and also received a box of chocolates.
Service manager Roger Bayliss said: "We are really pleased to be able to offer this crucial service to our customers all year round.
“We provided 250 meals on Christmas Day and another 300 on Boxing Day and will provide a further 350 on New Year’s Day.
“Apart from the hot food we were able to deliver, simply being able to make contact with our customers at a time like Christmas can make a world of difference to them.”
The service, which provides a quarter of a million tasty meals to Wolverhampton people every year, celebrated its 60th anniversary in October.
In a typical week, 3,000 meals are produced and delivered around the city. They include around 450 hot meals every weekday lunchtime, 350 ‘weekend’ meals on a Saturday and Sunday and 70 afternoon teas every day.
The council also provides a further 2,400 frozen meals a week so people can reheat them as and when they wish.
Issued by the press office.