Since launching during the pandemic LifeCare has delivered more than 42,000 hot, two-course dinners to over 300 older people

LifeCare Edinburgh’s Meals on Wheels service is celebrating its fifth birthday — a remarkable milestone in local community care.

Since launching in the midst of the pandemic in 2020, the charity has freshly prepared and delivered more than 42,000 hot, two-course meals to over 300 older people across north Edinburgh and Leith.

Thanks to the generosity of funders and donors, 60% of all meals - over 29,000 in total - have been delivered completely free of charge to older people living on low incomes.

This fundraising support has ensured that thousands of older residents have had access not only to nutritious, hot meals, but also to vital social connection and care.

Prepared fresh each day by LifeCare’s café team and delivered by kind-hearted drivers, the service has become a true lifeline for many older residents.

With more than 75% of clients living alone, that friendly knock on the door and a familiar face can be as uplifting as the hot meal itself. 

The service also acts as an important early warning system — if someone doesn’t answer the door or seems unwell, LifeCare’s team can quickly check in and ensure further support is put in place.

Chef Tony, from LifeCare’s community café, CafeLife, said:“Every meal we send out is made with care, because we know it’s not just food - it’s comfort and company too. The team in the kitchen puts their heart into making sure every meal is tasty, nourishing, and feels like something special arriving at the door.

“Community support is the secret ingredient, and if local people and businesses can continue to give generously to support us, it will help keep our wheels in motion for the years ahead.”

Sarah van Putten, CEO of LifeCare Edinburgh, added: “It’s a huge moment of pride for us.  Our history of support goes back a long way – LifeCare actually predates the NHS, and as a charity we first offered Meals on Wheels almost a century ago. The needs we were meeting back in the 1940s – tackling isolation, nutritional concerns, and low incomes – are still very real today.

“When the pandemic hit, many of our older clients were shielding, and as a team we worked hard to relaunch the service to reach those most in need. Five years on, we’ve delivered more than 42,000 hot meals, and it’s become a true community lifeline. It shows what’s possible when people come together to care for one another.”

LifeCare’s ability to deliver this life-changing service depends on the generosity of its funders and supporters. The ScottishPower Foundation has played a vital role over the past two years, helping to bring 6,000 free, freshly prepared meals to people’s doors this year — meeting nearly half of all requests for support across the last 12-months.

As the colder months draw in, LifeCare is inviting the community to help spread Christmas cheer by supporting its Meals on Wheels service.

This festive season, the charity will be delivering hundreds of traditional Christmas meals with all the trimmings, alongside its regular daily service bringing freshly prepared, hot nourishing meals to older people across the city.

With each meal service costing £7.50 to prepare and deliver, LifeCare relies on the generosity of local people and businesses to help meet growing demand throughout the winter months. A small donation can make a big difference — ensuring that older residents continue to enjoy warm meals, friendly visits, and vital social connection all season long.

Donations can be made online at www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk by calling 0131 343 0940, or in person at LifeCare’s community hub and CaféLife on Cheyne Street, Stockbridge.