Changes to community meals in Gloucestershire

Changes to Community Meals in Gloucestershire

Following a recent tender exercise for the community meals contract by Gloucestershire County Council, we very much regret that our current provider Apetito will no longer be providing this service. This is not a decision they have taken lightly, however, escalating costs have made the service unviable, despite best attempts. 

The commissioning team are still working to find an alternative provider; however, this change means hot meals will only be delivered to customers until Friday 31st March 2023 (inclusive). 

What does this mean for new referrals:

As of Monday 13/02/23 the maximum offer for subsidised community meals for new referrals will be six weeks. 

We can only offer a subsidized meals for a limited time, so we are encouraging new referrals to explore one or more of these options first: 

Option 1

There are other companies which provide nutritious frozen meals to your door, and these will need heating up. We have a list of companies to help customers to decide what is best for them.

Option 2

Lunch clubs take place regularly around the county, and some provide transport as well. Groups of people get together to share a hot meal in a hall or community centre and is a great way to socialise. You can find out more online by visiting the Your Circle website, www.yourcircle.org.uk 

Option 3

Many supermarkets do their own ranges of frozen meals, and these might be more cost efficient. Unfortunately, Gloucestershire County Council can’t offer any subsidy for this option.

Existing customers, where the provision of meals is in place following a Care Act Assessment:

Those receiving subsidised meals are entitled to ask for a review under the Care Act. At this review, eligible needs will be considered and any changes to their care and support plan discussed. This may include consideration of alternatives to subsidised meals.

We do have some customers on a protected contract, their provision will continue through a different offer.  Details will be shared with these customers in the next few weeks. 

Communication with service users: 

Letters to all those receiving a service currently will be going out early next week.