Community Meals

Torfaen provides a community meals service for people living in their own homes who are unable to prepare their own meals. Although many of those who use the service are older people, the service is open to anyone who is unable to prepare a meal because of frailty, illness or disability, subject to our eligibility criteria.

The community meals service can be arranged for varying lengths of time. Some people use the service for a short time after coming out of hospital or while their carer is away; others use the service on a long-term basis.

If you would like to make a referral for community meals please complete the Request Community Meals/Meals On Wheels form, ask your care manager or call 01495 762200.

Hot meals

We deliver a hot meal and a pudding to those who are eligible between 11.30am and 2.00pm, seven days a week. The current cost is £6.30 per meal. There is a weekly menu to choose from with a choice between four meals and four puddings every day.

We also offer a tea time tray. This is delivered at lunch time with your hot main meal. The tea tray can consist of up to 3 items with choices of soups, sandwiches and desserts. The cost of the tea tray is £1.60 for 1 item, £2.40 for 2 items and £3.40 for 3 items.

Payment can be made by Direct Debit. Alternatively we can arrange to invoice you monthly which can be paid via card over the phone or by sending a cheque.

You do not have to have a meal delivered every day – the service can be arranged for however many days it is needed.

Frozen meals

We can also arrange delivery of frozen meals for people who require some assistance but are able to heat the meals themselves or have carers who do it for them. You can choose your meals from Menu Selector – a catalogue with photographs of individual meals. The minimum order for frozen meals is for seven meals.

The delivery day is a Friday but can be on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis to suit the customer. The service is provided by Wiltshire Farm Foods. Payments for frozen meals should be made on delivery by cash or cheque. Frozen meals currently cost £2.79 for a main course and dessert. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How are hot meals delivered?

Hot meals are delivered by our friendly team of drivers who are trained to put your welfare and safety first. Every driver carries an identification card with his/her photograph clearly displayed for your peace of mind. 

Hot meals are usually delivered between 11.30 am – 2.00 pm, seven days a week (though you do not need to have a meal every day). 

A regular delivery time may be established, but allowances should be made for adverse weather conditions, heavy traffic and temporary drivers having to learn a new route.

Getting the best from meals on wheels

Hot meals should be eaten when you receive them. We do not recommend that any part of the meal be retained for later in the day, or for consumption the following day. Enjoy your food whilst it is fresh and hot!

If I am on a special diet will I be able to use the service?

In addition to our wide range of hot meals, we also cater for the following special diets:

• Diabetic
• Low fat
• Soft diet
• Low sodium
• Vegetarian
• Gluten free
• Reducing diet

What does a meal on wheels cost?

The charge for meals is reviewed annually. The current cost is £6.30 per meal for a hot meal and £2.79 for a frozen meal (main course and pudding for both).

How will I pay for my meals?

There are a number of ways to pay:

Hot meals:

• Direct Debit - Once the service has commenced we will send out a Direct Debit Form. Once set up, payments are collected on 20th of each month. You will receive a statement each month stating the amount that will be collected.
• Card/Cheque - If you do not wish to pay by Direct Debit an invoice will be sent on a monthly basis. This can be paid over the phone by card or a cheque can be sent.

Frozen meals:

Payments for frozen meals should be paid on delivery by cash or cheque. 

What happens if I need to cancel?

It is very important that we know if you are not going to be at home when your meal is delivered.

Our drivers will let us know if you do not answer the door and we may need to call someone to check that you are safe and well.

If we are unable to speak to a relative or neighbour and we are very concerned about you, it occasionally may be necessary to inform the police who may need to gain entry to your home, to check that you are not ill and unable to call for help.

If you wish to cancel a delivery of meals either short or long term, e.g. perhaps if you are going into hospital, enjoying a day trip or going on holiday, please contact us to let us know.

Luncheon clubs

If you are able to get out, there are a number of luncheon clubs in Torfaen which provide a hot meal for around £5.00 for a two or three course meal. 

For more information contact your Care Manager or phone 01495 762200.

Comments and Complaints

If you are unhappy about the quality or content of your meal or any aspect of the service we offer, you should contact the community meals manager on the number or address below, or you may contact your local customer care centre.

We will be only too pleased to answer any queries you may have about the service.

Community Meals Manager
Personal Care Team
Torfaen Social Care and Housing Services
Civic Centre
Pontypool
Torfaen
NP4 6YB

Last Modified: 01/04/2024 Back to top