Following a competitive tender process Essex County Council is set to award Sodexo a three year contract to deliver the Meals on Wheels service across the county.

The new contract will come into place on 1 October 2012 which will see meals delivered to around 1,350 customers in Essex. The food supplier will remain as Tillery Valley Foods so customers will still receive the quality and choice of meals that they are accustomed to.

Essex County Councillor John Aldridge, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Meals on wheels is a vital service provided by Essex County Council; not only does it ensure that vulnerable adults have the opportunity to receive at least one nutritionally balanced meal a day but it also means they are visited in their home which can bring great comfort to carers and families knowing those they care about are being checked on.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the previous supplier WRVS for all their hard work in delivering the Meals on Wheels service and I look forward to working with our new supplier to provide this valued service.”

The contract with WRVS ends on 30 September 2012 to ensure continuity of services and a smooth transition into the new contract beginning 1 October.