Pledging to help feed the elderly in need

The pledge is part of the Leeds Food Consensus, which aims to ensure that older people have their nutritional needs met.

Latest figures show that at any one time there are more than 19,500 malnourished people in the city.

By signing the pledge NHS Leeds and Leeds City Council will work with partners to identify and act for older people in Leeds who are vulnerable and are at risk of becoming malnourished.

The Leeds Food Consensus Pledge was made at a conference bringing together people working in frontline services to explore what can be done to support the most vulnerable.

Thirst for Nutrition featured leading experts from the city speaking about some of the existing work going on in Leeds that is supporting older people to lead more independent lives.

One of these projects is Jamie's Ministry of Food, in Kirkgate Market, in Leeds. The centre provides local people with 10-week cookery courses teaching adults how to cook nutritious and affordable meals.

Recently, a local agency, Angel's Housekeeping, has helped 10 older people using its services to take part in the course.

Linda Pollard, Chair for NHS Leeds, says: "I have been made aware of a startling fact and one that certainly made me stop and think.

"In Leeds, at any one time, there are over 19,500 malnourished people. This fact often gets lost as there is almost an obsession, driven partly by the media, to tackle the nation's obesity epidemic.

"I and my team are committed to working with Leeds City Council and our other partners, particularly those who provide services, to ensure that older people in our city are kept nutritionally well."

Any organisations wanting to know more about the Leeds Food Consensus or looking to sign the pledge, can find out more by visiting: www.leeds.nhs.uk/foodconsensus