HAMPSHIRE County Council has been shortlisted for a national catering award for its Meals on Wheels service.

The local authority has been shortlisted for a National Association of Care Catering award after it launched its Meals on Wheels service last year for people over 55 who are struggling to shop or cook for themselves.

The service provides a nutritious, two-course hot meal in the middle of the day for residents who have signed up.

In addition, a volunteer-run Food and Friendship Meals Support Service has been introduced to provide vital social contact and to enable older people to remain independent in their own homes for longer.

The Meals on Wheels service also offers a new afternoon tea service which includes a savoury pastry, a sandwich cake, fruit and juice, and it is already proving popular with customers.

Councillor Liz Fairhurst, executive member for adult social care and public health, said: “Meal on Wheels is a vital service supporting a variety of people, whether they are finding it difficult to cook for themselves, have just come out of hospital, are having trouble getting out to the shops or perhaps have a carer who needs a break from cooking.

“The service is available 365 days a year and the lunchtime meal is subsidised, making the cost £3.60 for two courses. Meals on Wheels is just one of the services co-ordinated by the county council’s older people’s wellbeing team to support Hampshire’s older people to live independently for longer.”

Anyone over 55 who struggles to prepare their own food can order Meals on Wheels from one to seven days a week.

If you are interested in the service, contact Apetito on 01962 779338 or complete an online application form at hants.gov.uk/meals-on-wheels.