Yorkshire’s HECK launches Meals That Matter campaign

Yorkshire family food company HECK! launched its Meals That Matter campaign in December to bring people together and tackle rural isolation, particularly among older residents.

The scheme aims to create warm, welcoming gatherings centred around good food and friendly conversation.

Jamie Keeble, HECK! co-founder, 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.”

The campaign comes amid concerns about loneliness among older people during the festive season.

Age UK estimates that 120,000 older people in Yorkshire and Humberside will eat dinner alone on Christmas Day, while 55,000 will not see or speak to anyone.

The Meals That Matter programme aims to address this by offering practical support and human connection through shared meals.

Recent events have taken place in Topcliffe, Asenby, Kirklington, and Sessay.

Attendees have enjoyed hot meals including cottage pie, toad in the hole, stews and soups—all served with a generous helping of festive spirit.

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 campaign is part of HECK!’s broader commitment to community wellbeing through its Community Fund and H.E.C.K. code, which stands for Health, Environment, Community, and Kindness.

Launched in 2024, the code guides the company’s efforts to support people through food.

The scheme is especially focused on rural areas, where distance and limited transport can leave residents feeling cut off, particularly during the colder winter months.

HECK! is working in collaboration with community groups, volunteers, and partners to deliver the meal events.

The company plans to host many more gatherings in 2026, with a long-term goal of fostering lasting connections.

HECK! is encouraging the public to nominate communities that could benefit from the campaign.

People can get in touch by visiting www.heckfood.co.uk or emailing community@heckfood.co.uk.

The company hopes that, through simple acts of togetherness, the campaign will bring comfort and companionship to those who need it most.