Celebrating 60 years of meals on wheels
Released: 28 September 2007
A service which provides a quarter of a million tasty meals to Wolverhampton people every year celebrates its 60th anniversary next week.
Wolverhampton City Council’s Meals on Wheels service helps older people and others with a disability maintain their independence by delivering a range of hot meals and snacks to their door.
The national service was launched in 1947 in Welwyn Garden City by members of the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS). The service in Wolverhampton was taken over by the council in 1989, having been run by the WRVS locally for many years.
To mark its diamond anniversary, staff will dress up in 1940s costumes on Wednesday to deliver a meal to Wolverhampton Mayor, Councillor Trudy Bowen, using a wheelbarrow and bedded-in straw - the method originally used to keep meals piping hot.
Meanwhile, Councillor Geoff Foster, Cabinet Member for Adults, will help to prepare a celebration menu on Thursday - the 60th anniversary of the service - in the kitchens at Stow Heath Lane.
Chris East, Divisional Manager for Catering and Cleaning Services, said: “Meals on Wheels is a key service for the residents of Wolverhampton.
“It provides them with freshly cooked, hot meals, snacks and sandwiches which are delivered across the whole of the city.
“This enables people to live healthier lives in their own homes for longer. It is an excellent means of preventative care that encourages independence while ensuring that some social contact is maintained.”
In a typical week, 3,000 meals are produced and delivered to addresses 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.
Daily specials range from roast lamb, braised steak or Lancashire hot-pot to ham in parsley sauce, cottage pie and chicken and leek pie. As well as the special, recipients can choose alternatives such as cod in parsley sauce, breaded plaice or sausage and mash or go for the vegetarian option. The service also caters for people with a range of dietary and medical requirements.
On Thursday, staff will be serving up a special 60th anniversary menu of chicken breast in a celebration sauce or poached salmon supreme in a savoury sauce followed by profiteroles and specially produced chocolates.
Issued by the press office.