Age UK County Durham has expanded its 'Hot Meals' campaign to deliver even more healthy meals each week.
This initiative, which started in January, aims to help those across the county who are forced to choose between 'heating and eating.'
The charity secured £70,000 of Government funding from the Household Support Fund and is now collaborating with 10 partner organisations across County Durham to deliver these meals.
The campaign builds upon the success of a previous project last winter, which involved four partner organisations.
Hilary Jamieson, programme manager for Age UK County Durham, said: "We hear almost daily about how older people in our communities are struggling this winter, choosing between turning the heating on or making a hot meal.
"We’re thrilled to be able to work together with the county’s charity and community operators to make a real difference.
"Our community partners have the invaluable local knowledge, so can ensure that these meals are reaching the people who really need them."
Initially launched before Christmas in Newton Aycliffe, Pelton, Teesdale, Shildon and Shotton, the campaign has now expanded to include Easington, Blackhall, Quebec, Weardale and Horden.
The 10 community partners identify beneficiaries, prepare the meals, and then either distribute them to homes or serve them in community premises.
This not only provides necessary nutrition but also helps reduce social isolation.
The beneficiaries, who are not means tested, receive a two-course hot meal free of charge.
Age UK County Durham funds the community partners to provide these meals.
Simon Day, trustee of Junction 7 in Newton Aycliffe, said: "We see the impact of the hot meals in so many different ways.
"There are some people who are not well enough to cook any longer for whom this is the best meal of the week.
"We also deliver to a supported living facility where the residents eat together so there’s a clear social benefit too.
"In fact, with each meal delivered, our volunteers take time and stop for a chat with the recipient."
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He added: "Age UK County Durham is providing a lifeline to many with this funding.
"Whilst our older generation here in Newton Aycliffe is benefiting from the healthy meals, we are also benefiting as more and more people hear of what Junction 7 does, and have come forward to volunteer and help us out."
Age UK County Durham, a stand-alone registered charitable organisation and a brand partner of Age UK, is the 'go to' organisation for anyone aged 50 or over living in County Durham.
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