More Than Just a Meal
Published: 2nd October 2026
The National Association of Care Catering (NACC) is calling on people and organisations across the UK to get involved in Meals on Wheels Week 2026, taking place from 2–6 November.
The annual awareness week will shine a spotlight on the vital role Meals on Wheels services play in helping older and vulnerable people remain safe, well and independent in their own homes.
This year’s campaign comes at an important time, with social care reform high on the government agenda and demand for Meals on Wheels services continuing to rise while provision declines.
Under the message More Than Just a Meal, the NACC is highlighting that the value of the service extends far beyond providing good nutrition.
For many recipients, the arrival of a Meals on Wheels delivery provides valuable regular human contact as well as an opportunity for a welfare and hydration check. Drivers can also spot potential concerns, from cold or unsafe homes and falls risks to changes in a person’s health or wellbeing, helping to identify problems before they become a crisis.
The NACC has organised Meals on Wheels Week for more than three decades, bringing together caterers, food suppliers, volunteers, drivers, carers, older people, community leaders and the wider public to celebrate and raise awareness of the service.
A different focus every day
Each day of Meals on Wheels Week 2026 will provide a different opportunity to get involved.
Spotlight Monday – 2 November
MPs, councillors and community leaders are encouraged to join a delivery round or visit a production kitchen and see first-hand how Meals on Wheels services operate.
Thank You Tuesday – 3 November
A day to celebrate the local heroes behind Meals on Wheels, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, fun facts and public messages of thanks.
Wellness Wednesday – 4 November
Organisations are encouraged to share simple wellness advice and highlight the important role good nutrition and hydration play in maintaining health and independence.
Warm, Safe & Well Thursday – 5 November
The focus turns to helping older and vulnerable people remain safe at home during winter, with opportunities to share practical safety advice and promote local support services.
Friday Friends – 6 November
The week concludes by celebrating friendship, shared meals and the important social connections created when people eat together.
NACC National Chair Neel Radia said: “As a country we simply cannot afford to lose any more Meals on Wheels services.
“We all know that prevention is better than cure, and a regular nutritious hot meal and reminder to keep hydrated go a long way to preventing unnecessary hospital admissions or the need for a care home place.
“But the positive impact of Meals on Wheels goes way beyond nutritional support. I cannot emphasise strongly enough that we are talking about More Than Just a Meal.”
He added that Meals on Wheels Week is about both celebrating the service and protecting its future by bringing its importance to the attention of everyone from the UK Government to the general public.
Together we can make a difference
The NACC is encouraging individuals, organisations and businesses across the country to take part throughout the week and share their activities and stories on social media.
Use #MealsonWheels2026, #MoreThanJustAMeal and #SaveMealsOnWheels to join the conversation.
Meals on Wheels Week 2026 takes place 2–6 November.
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