Food company HECK! has launched a new community initiative aimed at bringing people together and tackling rural isolation and loneliness, particularly among older residents.
The campaign, called Meals That Matter, launched this December.
Meals That Matter focuses on creating warm, welcoming moments around shared meals, offering practical support and community spirit in rural areas where distance, limited transport and changing village life can leave people feeling isolated.
So far, events have taken place in Topcliffe, Asenby, Kirklington and Sessay, where HECK!, which is based near Bedale, has hosted gatherings allowing residents to enjoy hot, hearty meals and good company.
Dishes have included cottage pie, toad in the hole, stews and soups.
Working alongside local community groups, volunteers and partners, the HECK! team plans to host many more get-togethers in 2026, encouraging simple but meaningful connections through food and conversation.
Robert Reed, who attended one of the December lunches, said: “I have just been lucky enough to have my lunch provided and served by HECK! staff. What a Christmas treat it was – the food was perfect.”
HECK! co-founder Jamie Keeble said: “We started HECK! as a family business here in Yorkshire and community has always been at the heart of what we do.
“Meals That Matter is about using good food to bring people together, especially those who might be feeling isolated or forgotten. If sharing a warm meal can put a smile on someone’s face or help them feel a little less alone, then that really matters to us.”
HECK! is encouraging communities who feel they would benefit from the initiative to get in touch.
More information is available at www.heckfood.co.uk or by emailing community@heckfood.co.uk.
Be the first to comment