Local couple launch 'meals on wheels' service for elderly and vulnerable

Local couple Jenna Wellman and Daniel Hawken are launching a new business venture to bring healthy, home-cooked meals to the elderly and vulnerable.

Nan's Family Kitchen, inspired by Jenna's late grandmother, will launch on September 1 providing a 'meals on wheels' service across Devon, Dorset and Somerset, initially within a 10-mile radius of Axminster.

Jenna and Dan have a combined 20-plus years of experience in the care and hospitality industries and are now braving the economic downturn and using their skills to provide what they describe as an "essential service" for customers.

They will be delivering their nutritious, home-cooked meals to those who are unable to prepare food themselves or who feel anxious to go out shopping.

Jenna and Dan said: "Nan's Family Kitchen will provide freshly prepared hot meals and offer a variety of puddings, snacks and light bites. We have been working with local, award-winning chef Shaun Cassidy who is helping us to design our menu.

"He is helping to ensure that our customers who are mainly the elderly, disabled and more vulnerable are receiving meals that are cooked using the freshest ingredients as well as meals that are well balanced and provide the nutritional support they need but are equally bursting with flavour.

"Our meals will be cooked fresh daily, using local suppliers where possible. This ensures the freshest ingredients are used, whilst also supporting our local businesses.

"All our meals are delivered on microwavable and oven friendly dishes which are wrapped in biodegradable clingfilm, which can be disposed of in your green recycling bag, along with our reusable and recyclable containers. Meals are transported in thermal boxes, to ensure food is piping hot on arrival.

"Our bespoke service can be tailored to your tastes, needs and requirements, leaving you feeling relaxed and stress free at mealtimes.

"We understand that during this current COVID-19 pandemic, going out to the shops can create high levels of anxiety and stress. By choosing Nan's Family Kitchen, you are eliminating this stress and anxiety, as well as helping to sustain a greener way of living."

The business venture was inspired by Jenna's grandmother, Marion Gear, who passed away just over a year ago. Before her death, Jenna and her family had been keen to find a local company that could deliver well-prepared meals for their Nan, but they struggled to find such a service in the Axminster area.

Having worked as a carer for just under 10 years, Dan, who is also former police officer originally from South Africa, also agreed that many of his clients were not getting the nutrition they needed so now they are launching a friendly, reliable service and giving something back to the community.

Nan's Family Kitchen will go above and beyond simply delivering meals; Dan and Jenna will hold a consultation with all new clients to understand their needs, their care support network and provide a point of contact care service.

Nan's Family Kitchen drivers will always arrive with a lanyard and ID card, they are all DBS checked and cleared. They will always aim to have the same delivery driver delivering to the same customers, but if there is a change in driver the customers will be notified in advance.

Dan and Jenna added: "We aim to meet with all our clients in their home to discuss exactly what their needs are and to offer a 'point of contact care service' for each delivery.

"We would look to liaise with our customers' carers, care service providers and relatives to ensure that if we arrive for a delivery and feel there is a health concern, we will contact the relevant support network for that customer.

"We understand that we may be one of the only people some of our customers get to see each day, so we hope this caring customer service will make everyone involved feel a part of Nan's Family Kitchen.

"We hope that this will reassure distant family members that their family are receiving the best personal service and at the same time, eating consistently nutritious home cooked meals."

To sign up for delivered meals, email [email protected] or by call 07854 280 112 or 07541 219 872.