Age UK Wiltshire meal service reaches record 230 daily deliveries

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 5 Nov, 06:04 · Archive

Age UK Wiltshire's Wellbeing Checks with Meals service has experienced record demand, delivering 230 meals daily in October 2026.

Age UK Wiltshire has reported record demand for its Wellbeing Checks with Meals programme, which supports elderly people across the county to live independently for longer. Demand rose by 15 per cent in October 2026 to 230 daily deliveries. The service is on course to deliver more than 78,500 meals this year, with a daily average of 200 meals delivered in 2025.

The service prepares and delivers hot and cold meals daily from a Swindon depot. Oliver Moody, senior commercial manager at Age UK Wiltshire, said the support goes well beyond food delivery. 'It's a communication line between the clients and their families,' he said. 'To allow people to stay in their own homes for as long as possible, and to take the pressure away from care homes and hospitals.'

Moody described the service as going 'the extra mile', noting that drivers have travelled 70 miles to deliver a single meal when they knew the person would not eat otherwise. The service is particularly valuable for families who may not be able to visit regularly, providing reassurance that their loved ones are safe and receiving daily support.

Drivers are trained to spot early signs of concern for wellbeing and to act accordingly, whether by calling family or contacting healthcare professionals if necessary. Drivers often build relationships with clients and are able to notice early changes in behaviour or health. The social contact aspect is especially important for those who may be isolated or managing health conditions.

How it is being reported

• Age UK Wiltshire meal service hits record demand with 230 daily deliveriesA rise in demand for wellbeing checks and meal deliveries has led to record levels of serviceGazette & Herald · 5 Nov, 05:00
• Age UK Wiltshire meal service hits record demand with 230 daily deliveriesA rise in demand for wellbeing checks and meal deliveries has led to record levels of serviceThis Is Wiltshire · 5 Nov, 05:00
• Age UK Wiltshire meal service hits record demand with 230 daily deliveriesA rise in demand for wellbeing checks and meal deliveries has led to record levels of serviceSwindon Advertiser · 5 Nov, 05:00
• Age UK Wiltshire meal service hits record demand with 230 daily deliveriesA rise in demand for wellbeing checks and meal deliveries has led to record levels of serviceWiltshire Times · 5 Nov, 05:00

In this story: Age UK Wiltshire · Swindon · Wiltshire · Oliver Moody

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