Yorkshire’s HECK! holds a Meals That Matter campaign

Yorkshire’s HECK! has been hosting Meals That Matter, a December initiative aimed at reducing rural isolation and bringing people together through the power of shared meals.

The campaign is especially aimed at supporting older residents across Yorkshire, many of whom face loneliness and isolation during the festive season.

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.

The HECK! team served up good food and good cheer in villages (Image: HECK!)

“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.”

The campaign is rooted in HECK!’s belief that food can foster meaningful connections.

It aims to create welcoming, communal moments for people who may otherwise spend the holidays alone.

According to Age UK, 120,000 older people in Yorkshire and Humberside were expected to eat dinner alone on Christmas Day, with 55,000 unlikely to see or speak to anyone.

The campaign shone a light on rural loneliness, offering both practical support and a sense of community during the darker winter months.

HECK! has already hosted events in villages including Topcliffe, Asenby, Kirklington, and Sessay, where residents have gathered for hot meals and conversation.

Dishes served have included cottage pie, toad in the hole, stews, and soups—all accompanied by festive cheer.

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.”

The company is working with community groups, volunteers, and partners, and plans to continue hosting gatherings into 2026.

The company is inviting the public to nominate communities that could benefit from a Meals That Matter event.

More information is available at the Heck Food website or by emailing community@heckfood.co.uk.