Cllrs Rita Miller, Corri Wilson, Peter Convery, Brian Connolly and John McDowall pictured with Kenny Leinster South Ayrshire Council and Icare staff
South Ayrshire Council's Meals at Home service will shortly be changing supplier, but the same great service and tasty meals will continue to be delivered as before!
The service has been provided by a contractor since 2007, with nearly 140,000 meals being served to vulnerable and elderly Council customers every year.
Councillor Rita Miller, Portfolio Holder for Social Services said: "As the contract for the meal service became due for renewal, the Council was obliged to advertise a national tender to make sure the service continued to deliver the highest quality at the most competitive price.
"Following rigorous scrutiny of the bids received, ICare was offered the contract."
ICare will take over the provision of meals at home from 6 August and, apart from new designs on the vans and new uniforms for delivery staff, the same superb level of service, choice of meals and quality of food will remain unchanged.
The staff employed by the former contractor will transfer to ICare, so most customers will still see the same familiar faces they have become used to and the pricing structure will remain exactly the same as before.
A joint letter from the Council and ICare will shortly be delivered to all meals at home making them aware of the change in provider and a comprehensive information pack and meal menu will also be provided.
Dave Laithwaite, Meals Manager for ICare added: "We're delighted to have won the contract for this essential community service and to working in partnership with South Ayrshire Council.
"The only immediate change people will see is that their driver (Community Assistant), will be wearing a purple polo shirt with the ICare logo embroidered onto it and a purple weatherproof fleece jacket.
"Council customers will still receive a great level of service and a fantastic choice of meals, as well as dealing with the same people they already know and trust."
Councillor Miller continued: "We're confident ICare will deliver a high quality Meals at Home service to our customers, but if anyone has any queries about this new service, your driver or Care Manager will be able to assist."
Alternatively, you can contact the Council on 0300 123 0900.