You can find information on help to buy food and shopping in our support with the cost of living section of the website.
There are tools, equipment and organisations which can make meal times easier. You can get groceries delivered directly to your house, or use a meal delivery service (often known as meals on wheels).
There is equipment which can help with food preparation, making it easier to grip or prepare food with one hand. Daily living aids which can make eating and drinking easier.
You might want to find lunch clubs where you can meet other people, or find someone who can help you with food and meal times.
Preparing meals
If you need help with opening containers, using utensils or food preparation, there is a range of equipment which can help. This includes:
- easy-grip utensils such as vegetable peelers, knives and choppers
- boards which enable one-handed food preparation
- drink preparation equipment such as kettle tipping aids
- jar, bottle and packet opening aids
Eating and drinking
There are daily living aids which can help to make eating and drinking easier. These include:
- non-spill, handled beakers
- plate surrounds, to help keep food on the plate
- easy-grip cutlery
- keep-warm plates, bowls and mugs
- hydration reminders
You can buy these from various places - some are available at high street kitchenware stores. Specialist retailers, including Manage At Home below, have a wider range, and allow you to order online or over the phone. You can also buy many items from large internet retailers.
Manage At Home
Provided by Medequip, Manage At Home – Mobility Aids offers information and advice, along with a range of equipment and devices that you can purchase to help with everyday tasks.
The Manage at Home Self Help Guide helps you find products tailored to everyday challenges around the home or more general needs. Simply select the issues you're facing, and the guide will suggest practical solutions. You don’t need to log in, give any personal details or register to complete the questionnaire. You can see the products recommended, how they work, and see videos of them in action.
To speak to someone about products or services please call 0800 910 1864 or email info@manageathome.co.uk.
Find out more about equipment and devices which can help you to remain safe, well and independent
Food delivery
Hot meals and meal delivery
Also known as 'meals on wheels', there are providers that will deliver a hot meal to you.
The EAC Housing Care website has a list of hot meals providers in Cambridgeshire.
Friends and family may be able to recommend a local provider.
Local pubs, cafes and restaurants may also deliver hot food to you on request.
Supermarkets
All of the big supermarkets offer online delivery. Some also offer a telephone delivery service for those who are unable to shop online. Please contact your local supermarkets direct to find out if they offer this service.
Fresh or frozen ready meals
Specialised frozen food delivery services such as Oakhouse Foods and Wiltshire Farm Foods deliver across the country. They can cater for special diets and take orders by telephone.
Lunch clubs
These bring groups of people together - often older people - to socialise and enjoy a nutritious meal.
Employing someone to prepare lunch for you
You may be able to use a home care organisation to employ someone to help you with meal times. You can find more information about organising home care and a list of care agencies in the Guide to Independent Living from Care Choices .
Food banks
Food banks provide emergency food supplies for people in crisis. The Trussell Trust runs a network of over 400 foodbanks including many in Cambridgeshire. You may need a foodbank voucher - contact the foodbank for more information.
