Researchers analysed all 374 Local Authority Districts (LADs) across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to compare the provision of local meal support services with demographic and health-related indicators associated with increased care needs.
They found that more than half of UK local authority districts show high unmet need for Meals on Wheels services, while more than one-third (34.8%) have no known Meals on Wheels service currently operating within their boundaries.
The study comes at a time when the UK is managing an ageing population. Approximately 1.65 million people are now aged 85 and over, with rising levels of disability and social isolation expected to increase demand for support services in coming decades.
Meals on Wheels services provide community-based meal support to older adults and individuals with care and support needs. Although the service is not statutory, researchers say it plays an important role in supporting independence, reducing malnutrition and tackling social isolation - all key priorities within prevention-focused health and social care strategies.
The analysis found that 21.6% of districts retain council-run Meals on Wheels services, with most areas relying on charitable organisations, social enterprises or private providers. In districts served solely by non-council providers, coverage was often inconsistent, with substantial variation in geographic reach and service availability.
Professor Angeliki Papadaki, Principal Investigator of the Meals on Wheels UK project and Professor of Public Health Nutrition in the School for Policy Studies at the University of Bristol, said: "Meals on Wheels services are an important but often overlooked part of preventative community support. Our findings show substantial variation in access across the UK, with many areas experiencing high levels of predicted need but limited or no identifiable provision. As health and social care systems increasingly prioritise prevention and independent living, understanding where these gaps exist is essential."
The report highlights the growing financial pressures facing adult social care services. In England alone, local authorities spent £10 billion on residential and nursing care in 2023/24 — more than 30% of total adult social care expenditure. Researchers argue that strengthening preventative services such as Meals on Wheels could form part of a broader strategy to support ageing in place, reduce inequalities and potentially ease pressures on acute and residential care services, including hospital discharge pathways.
The project combines public health and social care research with GIS mapping to identify areas where service provision does not align with likely demand. Researchers hope the findings will support local authorities, policymakers, NHS leaders and third-sector organisations seeking to strengthen prevention and early intervention strategies across the UK.
The Meals on Wheels UK project is hosted by the University of Bristol and aims to improve understanding of equitable access to food support services for adults with care needs.
To view the report visit: https://express-licences.bristol.ac.uk/product/meals-on-wheels-uk-national-analysis-report
