National Meals on Wheels Week The 2008 National Meals on Wheels Week will be held on Monday 6th October - Sunday 12th October. 'A MOW a day helps keep the doctor away' The NACC have commissioned research into Meals on Wheels Services across the nation after members raised concerns over declining numbers. The results of which will be available in late April. In the interim we are launching our campaign to raise the awareness of these services and the important role they play in care in the community 'A MOW a day helps keep the doctor away' - A play on the 19th century rhyme, which could be viewed as one of the first pieces of nutritional advice, and was widely used in the first half of the 20th century (The early years of the majority of our service users), and who we hope will associate with the rhyme. We will also utilise this to highlight the Improving Nutritional Care Action Plan as a means of improving nutrition and reducing health costs; so what better way of reminding the care workers, health professionals, decision makers and public at large about the service and it’s benefits than this title for MOW Week 2008 – “A MOW a day helps keep the doctor away!” Aim of Meals on Wheels Week The aim of the week is to draw public and government attention to the important role the Meals on Wheels service, organised by members of The National Association of Care Catering, plays in looking after the most vulnerable members of our community – primarily older people. Over 40 million meals on wheels are served annually to about 200,000 recipients. Meals on Wheels Week 2007 Review To read about some of some of the activities and events which took place to mark the Diamond Anniversary of National Meals on Wheels Week Click Here ‘Meals on Wheels’ marked its Diamond Jubilee in 2007. There have been many nutritional developments and technological advances in the service since meals were first delivered by the WVS (now the WRVS) in Welwyn Garden City in 1947. But still, 60+ years on, the service remains a vital component of many care packages, and enables thousands of vulnerable older people to continue to live at home, in their own communities. Over forty million meals are served annually up and down the country, and the aim of the week is to draw attention to the importance of this service which enables many disabled or housebound people to remain in their own homes long after they would otherwise have been hospitalised or taken into residential care. During Meals on Wheels Week each Region makes a concerted effort to highlight and publicise the service, and National Officers give interviews on radio and television. In past years, public relations activities have included delivering Meals on Wheels to The Queen Mother and Betty Boothroyd (both Honorary Members of the NACC), and Tony and Cherie Blair. The NACC has, for several years, taken part in the annual Lord Mayors Parade in London. To read full details on the 2007 National Meals On Wheels Week CLICK HERE Meals on Wheels Week 2006 to view all the activities from Meals on Wheels Week 2006 Parliament shows Support for National MOW Week 2007, view the MP's letters of support! Betty Williams Part 1 Part 2 Oliver Letwin Click Here David Borrow Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 David Hanson Click Here Elliot Morley Click Here Julia Goldsworthy Part 1 Part 2 Malcom Wicks Part 1 Part 2  slideshow speed How to get involved with National Meals on Wheels Week 2008 Details of how you can get involved with this week will be available shortly. Meals on Wheels Week 2006: 6th - 12th November 2006 For further information about the week contact: Sue Ullmann – National Chair: 01423 709 418 Derek Johnson – Deputy Chairman: 0113 247 8577 Ros Speight – National Secretary: 01530 513 781 Meals on Wheels Week 2005 Regional Events Free diabetes and blood pressure tests, meals, and tastings, as well as competitions, days out, glasses of sherry and a whole host of other free activities are bing planned up and down the country to celebrat the 9th Meals on Wheels Week from November 7. For a full preview of what's going on around the regions Click here Meals on Wheels Week 2004: 8th-14th November The NACC joined forces with Water UK and members of the Water for Health Alliance to launch the start of Meals on Wheels Week 2004. The aim was to promote the health benefits of drinking water, at least 6-8 glasses a day as well as receiving a nutritionally balanced meal. Up and down the country bottles of water were delivered to many of the users of this service, together with leaflets giving examples of the good hydration message. Click here to find out more about Water for Health... Meals on Wheels Week 2004 Events Various Meals on Wheels Week events were held around the country from 8-14th November 2004, involving Lord Lieutenants, Mayors, Councillors, M.P’s Actors, Actresses, Celebrity Chefs, LifeBoat Crews, Fireman, and Police Officers as well as our own NACC members. CLICK HERE for details of the 2004 events held in your region...