Destined delivers 10,000 meals to those isolating

Destined lost its own kitchen in an arson attack recently, but the principal of Long Tower Primary School, Mrs Joyce Logue offered the use of the school’s kitchen to cook hot meals daily to be delivered to people’s homes.

The group reacted to the needs of its members - many who have been in self isolation for the last three months and due to a lack of cooking skills were resorting to ordering takeaway’s each day. Destined provided healthy nutritious meals each day that were delivered to each person’s door. The orders were placed between 10am and 12noon each morning and the meals were delivered between 2.30pm – 5pm in the afternoon. The order line is 07902 379 296 to book your meals and is still in operation.

Charlene Keenan, Destined general manager, said: “This is a massive achievement to cook and deliver 10,000 meals throughout the City and has shown that there is a real need for the service. We identified a need for our members who are still self-isolating at home but who weren’t eating healthy food. Many don’t have the skills to prepare and cook a nutritious meal so we cooked a meal each day for them. We offered a choice of two meals each day and varied the menu throughout the week. Our service also allowed people to forward book from the menu.”

Charlene added: “We have decided to prioritise people with all disabilities, not just from the learning disability community, older people, particularly those living on their own, and also families living in poverty. The service ran seven days a week and meals were delivered by Derry Taxis, which is the Destined social enterprise. Destined put a nominal £2 cost per meal and delivery was free.”

The service was supported by funders National Lottery, Halifax Foundation, NIHE, Coronavirus Aid Fund, individuals and organisations, and was supported by community organisations to deliver it including Triax NP, Outerwest Community Response Team, The Cosy Club and the WHSCT through its Strengthening Families Service.

Charlene said that the group had received very positive feedback on their service and people had stated that for some the contact with the Derry Taxis delivering the meal was their only conversation for the day.