Celebrating Two Years of the Community Food Fleet – Warwickshire’s Meals on Wheels Service
In August 2023, Warwickshire Rural Community Council (WRCC) stepped in to safeguard a vital lifeline for older residents across the county. Following the withdrawal of local authority subsidy and the closure of Apetito’s Meals on Wheels service, WRCC launched the Community Food Fleet – a not-for-profit, countywide home meals delivery service.
Two years on, we are proud to reflect on the impact this service has had. Operating 365 days a year, our dedicated team of drivers now serve over 180 regular customers, up from 110 in our first year. But this service is about far more than just delivering hot meals.
Our drivers offer “Warm and Well” checks with every visit – a friendly face, a moment of connection, and a watchful eye on wellbeing. For many of our customers, especially those living alone or in rural areas, these visits are a vital part of maintaining independence and reducing isolation. As one family member shared:
“Without the Community Food Fleet, my mother would not see anyone for days on end. The drivers check-in, deliver the meal and give us peace of mind that her wellbeing is being checked on regularly.”
Warwickshire’s ageing population and rural geography mean that services like ours are more important than ever. According to ONS data, over 180,000 people aged 65+ live in the county, with an estimated 18,000 at risk of loneliness and isolation. The Community Food Fleet is here to support them.
Thank You to Our Funders
This growth and impact would not have been possible without the generous support of our funders. We are deeply grateful to all who have backed us during this critical period, including:
- The National Lottery Community Fund
- The 29 May 1961 Charitable Trust
- The Inman Charity
- The Worshipful Company of Innholders
Your support has helped us build a service that is now on the path to becoming self-sustaining.
Help Us Reach More People
We are still working hard to re-establish the level of customers previously served under the subsidised model. To do this, we need partners who can help us promote the service and refer those who would benefit. Whether you’re a community organisation working locally, or a countywide service provider, we’d love to hear from you.
And like all charities, we continue to seek financial contributions to help manage the rising costs of service delivery. If you’re interested in becoming a champion of the Community Food Fleet, or would like to explore a partnership, please get in touch with our CEO, Chris Cowcher, at chrisc@wrccrural.org.uk.
More information about the service is available here.