Meals on wheels

The frozen meals service offers help to vulnerable adults such as the elderly, people with disabilities and others who are unable to cater for themselves.  This could be on a long or short-term basis.

We carry out an assessment to see if you are eligible to receive subsidised meals through the council. If you don't meet the requirements you can buy your meals directly (at full price) from the company we work with.

Our meals are produced by apetito and delivered by Wiltshire Farm Foods. You can find out more about them by following the link in the Related Links section.

We have tried to provide information to questions we are frequently asked about this service on this page.

If you still have a question or need help with applying to receive meals, or to stop your meals delivery, please Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058.

Am I eligible?
You are not automatically entitled to subsidised meals through us.

We make an assessment and provide a referral for subsidised meals to people who meet our eligibility criteria.

This assessment, Fair Acccess to Care (FACs), can also help us to decide on other aspects of care or assistance you may need and you can find out more on our Help to Stay at Home page.

How do I apply?
If you would like to request an assessment to be carried out please contact your local area office.

If you have had an assessment and been told you are not eligible for our meal scheme you can buy frozen meals direct from Wiltshire Farm Foods. Visit their website to find out more.

What meals are available?
There are more than 75 meals to choose from including meals suitable for people on diabetic, lower fat, moderate salt, Gluten free, vegetarian or reducing diets.

We also have a selection of pureed, Kosher and ethnic meals we can provide.

You will receive a special Menu Selector which has colour pictures of all the meals and acts as a Diet Guide detailing the nutritional information on each individual meal available.

How much does it cost?
As we subsidise the meals they cost £1.40 each, including a dessert. If you didn't meet the eligibility requirements at assessment you can buy the meals at full price directly from the companies we work with.

How do I pay?
You can pay by cash or cheque on delivery or in certain circumstances by monthly account. More information is available in the information pack given to you after assessment.

How do I order meals?

Meals are delivered once a fortnight and your assessor will tell you the number of subsidized meals you are entitled to.

 
You will receive an information pack after assessment and you can complete a form detailing the meals you would like.

Just give your next order form to the driver when they deliver your meals.

Alternatively you can order by ringing your local Wiltshire Farm Foods.

How many people does each meal serve? Can I order extra meals for friends, carers or visitors?
Each meal is a portion for one person and subsidised meals are only available for the person who has been assessed.

You can buy extra meals at full price direct from the company we work with if you require them.

There is also a premium range of meals which you are buy for an additional 50p per meal, these are slightly bigger portions than the traditional meals

How do I cook the meals?
Each meal is provided frozen and must be cooked from frozen. They can be cooked in a conventional oven or a microwave.

Cold desserts can be defrosted over a couple of hours before eating.

When, and by whom, will my meals be delivered?
Meals are delivered once a fortnight.  The number will be determined through your assessment.

The meals will be delivered by the companies we work with. They try to provide you with a regular driver who will carry identification.

You can find out more about being safe in your home (opens in a new window) and the doorstep code (opens in a new window) on our Safer Derbyshire website.

How do I stop receiving meals?
If you want to cancel the service or won't be able to receive your meals because of a hospital admission you must contact your local area office, if you are on holiday you should inform the delivery driver and your assessor so they can cancel the service for the time you are away.

You won't lose any money as meals are paid for on delivery.