Rishi Sunak has praised the efforts of volunteers who deliver the meals on wheels service in Bedale and district.
The Richmond MP called in to the charity’s base to meet the team which provides more than 30 meals three days a week to the elderly and vulnerable.
Established in September 2015, the Bedale Community Meals on Wheels charity has cooked and delivered more than 28,000 meals in that time. Customers receive a two-course hot meal for just £5.
After meeting most of the 50-strong team of volunteers who prepare, package and deliver the meals from Chantry Hall, Bedale, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Mr Sunak said: “This is a fantastic effort providing a much-valued service to elderly clients who don’t just enjoy the food but also the social contact of having it delivered to their door.
“It was a privilege to meet the volunteers to thank them personally for the excellent service they provide to the community.”
Service Co-ordinator Diane Hosking, who received the BEM for her service to the community in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours, said the visit had been a morale booster for the team.
“It’s good to have our efforts recognised in this way. The volunteers really appreciated Mr Sunak coming to see them.”
She added that demand for the service was steady and she was proud to have maintained the price of delivered meals at £5 this year despite increasing costs of ingredients and fuel. Local food suppliers had been very helpful in offering discounts.
Mrs Hosking said more volunteers were always welcome, particularly a cook. Contact bedalemeals@gmail.com
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