How Hertfordshire Community Meals provides social value

Introduction

Meals on Wheels services exist in most local authorities in the UK and elsewhere in Europe but often do not have a great reputation in terms of value for money for the public purse or quality of service and food. However, it does not have to be like this. The social enterprise Hertfordshire Community Meals (HCM), based in the county of Hertfordshire, north of London, proves that it is possible to deliver good value meals, and a wide range of caring welfare services, appreciated by clients and commissioners alike. Through ‘Social Return On Investment’ research, HCM has gathered evidence of the social value provided by the meal service and related support services.