Deeside’s well-fed launches MealLockers and MealVend for affordable nutrition

A new initiative from Deeside-based social enterprise Well-Fed aims to make high-quality, affordable food available to more people across North Wales through two innovative services.

The MealLockers and MealVend services, launched last week at an event attended by Alyn and Deeside Member of the Senedd (MS) Jack Sargeant, offer convenient access to healthy, ultra-processed-free (UPF) meals in Shotton and the surrounding area.

Based in Shotton, Well-Fed is a social enterprise created through a partnership between Flintshire County Council, ClwydAlyn Housing Association, and Can Cook.

With a mission to “feed everyone well,” the enterprise has provided over one million meals since its inception, supporting vulnerable families and promoting locally-sourced, UPF-free food.

The business, now employing 24 staff, aims to expand access to affordable, nutritious food throughout the community.

At the launch event, Jack Sargeant praised Well-Fed’s efforts, describing the MealLockers and MealVend as game-changers for local food access.

“It was great to attend the launch event for the MealLockers and MealVend services, both of which will make a real difference for local residents, allowing them to access affordable, healthy meals in an easy and convenient way,” he said.

“Well-Fed is a major community asset in Deeside, and I would like to thank them for all their work supporting vulnerable families while also backing local food producers.”

The MealLockers, outdoor refrigerated lockers located at key locations, provide access to recipe packs, essential goods, and fresh ready meals.

This service allows people to order online and collect their meals at their convenience, regardless of income or food access barriers.

Meanwhile, the MealVend service introduces plastic-free vending systems into workplaces. MealVend units enable employees to order and collect fresh meals affordably, offering a practical solution for workplaces without canteens or kitchens.

Robbie Davison, Director of Well-Fed, spoke about the significance of the new services, emphasising their potential to make healthy food more accessible.

“We have launched our MealLockers and MealVend services to make sure everyone can eat well wherever they live and work,” Robbie explained.

“Both services will also mean people can buy healthy and tasty food to pick up at their convenience.”

Clare Budden, Chief Executive of ClwydAlyn, also expressed her support, noting that rising costs have made it challenging for many to access affordable, nutritious meals.

“The rising cost of living continues to create real challenges for many people when it comes to accessing affordable, healthy food,” she said.

“These services are a great way to make it easier and more affordable to eat well and build on the significant work that Well-Fed is leading across North Wales to support communities with access to healthy food.”