City’s community meals set for make-over

Community meals in Brighton & Hove are set for a make-over starting in April to meet changing patterns of demand and give residents more choices.

Everyone who is currently getting a wholesome and nutritious meal through our community meal service - which some people call 'meals on wheels' - will still be able to get a meal in future.

The council is working closely with its current supplier RVS to ensure a smooth transition to the new-style service at the beginning of April.

Councillor Daniel Yates, chair of the city’s Health and Wellbeing board said:

“There are now only around 80 clients that the council funds who receive this service. People have been voting with their feet because these days they have a lot more options such as shared meals and lunch clubs, ready meals from supermarkets and internet ordering.

“We have to adapt the service to address the preferences of the 21st Century as it is clear to us that the service needs to be delivered in a different way in future.

“Through research we have carried out into the local market we know there are a number of other local providers interested in providing the service.

“These providers are able and willing to meet the food quality and nutrition standards we require, and are also committed to carrying out the basic well-being checks that we regard as a vital part of the community meals service.

“We know that with a menu of Community Meals providers we can offer a broader range of choices for residents that meet their needs 365 days a year

“We are working with these providers and the city’s Food Partnership on a new community meal ‘menu’ that will have a range of suppliers offering a wider range of meal choices.

“Shared meals are a big success story in the city, with around half a million served every year. We are also working to raise awareness of these among our clients as shared meals can help reduce loneliness and isolation and provide opportunities for advice and support, as well as offering a nutritious meal.” 

Get more information

Find out more about the Community Meals Service and the proposed changes