Rising costs threat to Dudley meals-on-wheels

Meals on wheels for the elderly are under threat after a Black Country charity announced it is struggling to stay on the road because of rising costs.

The WRVS, which provides support to older people, says it is battling to meet the £50,000 annual costs to provide the lifeline to people across Dudley borough.

Around 150 meals are served daily by the 70 volunteers who work for the charity at Carlisle Hall, Victoria Street, Stourbridge.

WRVS launched a private meals on wheels service following the end of Dudley Council's scheme around two years ago.

The charity uses five leased vans, costing £12,000 a year, to deliver meals to residents.

These costs, added to cash spent cooking then packing the meals, is funded through the money charged for meals.

But community centre manager Jan Webb, aged 64, says the £3.50 charged daily no longer covers the bills.

Mrs Webb said the organisation was searching for alternatives to help plug the funding gap.

It is reluctant to increase charges because of fears many pensioners would be unable to meet the extra cost.

One idea volunteers are promoting is getting local traders or businesses to sponsor the service. A business would be able to display its logo on the vans. Mrs Webb said firms did not need to cover the full cost of the service and could just make a contribution however small.

"People always want these services, including our regular lunch club, so we have to find a way to maintain them," she said.

"We are hoping to inspire businesses to help us, maybe a few could get together for the sponsorship."

WRVS supplies meals to eight other lunch clubs in the borough. It also runs activities and services including a weekly art class.

Mrs Webb would not be drawn on how long the service could continue as it is, but said volunteers would not give up yet.

"It is wonderful to have so many dedicated people helping us," she said.

Anyone interested in helping WRVS is asked to call 01384 394704.