'Big hearted' Harrogate award-winning food firm commits to helping older people in Yorkshire
An award-winning Harrogate family-owned firm has talked about its role in tackling a problem which has seen approximately 120,000 older people in Yorkshire and Humberside eating dinner alone over Christmas.
This month saw food company HECK! launch Meals That Matter, a big-hearted new community initiative to bring people together and help rural isolation and loneliness across Yorkshire.
Already there have been Meals That Matter events in Topcliffe, Asenby, Kirklington and Sessay, where HECK! has been hosting gatherings for residents to enjoy a hot hearty meal and good company.
Based in Bedale, the origins of HECK! lie in Harrogate couple Andrew and Debbie Keeble, who founded their first firm The Harrogate Sausage Company 20 years ago.
Now Britain’s largest independent sausage and burger maker, HECK! employs 130 people and its sausages are sold throughout the UK in Tesco, ASDA, Morrisons, Booths and Waitrose.
HECK! co-founder Jamie Keeble said: “We started HECK! as a family business 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.”
By focusing on shared experiences and simple acts of togetherness, Meals That Matter hopes to help reduce feelings of isolation and bring a little extra comfort to those who need it most.
Meals served up during the festive season have included cottage pie, toad in the hole, stews and soups.
The campaign reflects HECK!’s long-standing commitment to doing good through food, supporting wellbeing and strengthening the communities it serves. all part of the H.E.C.K. code (Health; Environment; Community; Kindness) which was launched in 2024.
The same year saw the company launch its Community Fund, aimed at recognising and supporting individuals and smaller organisations making a real difference in their communities.
If a community close to you deserves a little extra love, HECK! is urging people to get in touch.
For more details, visit www.heckfood.co.uk
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