Health chiefs have named two firms that can deliver meals to homes following the end of the Meals on Wheels contract.

An information leaflet outlining the options available to customers of the Meals on Wheels service has been distributed.

It names Wiltshire Farm Foods and island-based Jack Frost as alternative suppliers which both offer to deliver frozen food to your home weekly.

The Department of Health and Social Care last month announced it was to end its £150,000-a-year contract with Age Concern to deliver Meals of Wheels.

That funding will end on January 12.

The DHSC said that following an open advert for meal providers to be feature in the information leaflet, two businesses had expressed a wish to do so.

Wiltshire Farm Foods’ individual meal prices start from £2.99 and there is free delivery, subject to minimum order value. Special diets are catered for.

Jack Frost’s individual meal prices start from £1.79 and there is free delivery on orders over £20.

It is able to deliver fresh fruit, vegetables, bread, cheese, milk and other essentials.

In both cases, you can order by phone, online or directly from the delivery driver.

Age Concern charges £3.50 for a main meal and dessert with its Meals on Wheels service.

Member for the DHSC, Jason Moorhouse MHK, said: ’The decision to end the contract and stop funding the delivery of Meals on Wheels was considered very carefully, and one of the main reasons was the emerging presence of firms which were able to provide similar services at a similar price, but at no cost to the taxpayer.

’Looking through what the businesses are able to offer, I hope people will agree that the range of meals and products being made available compares well and even exceeds what is currently being offered, and all at extremely competitive prices.’

He said social workers and community health workers will continue to visit many current recipients of the Meals on Wheels service, to heat up meals and check on their general well-being.

Anyone who has any queries or would like more information should contact Adult Social Care by telephoning 686179.