A HIGHBRIDGE woman is offering a new meals service to elderly and vulnerable people in her community in a bid to ensure they eat healthily.

Fiona Cawley, who runs a catering company called Jemima’s Quality Cakes & Catering Ltd from her home in Burnham Road, started providing meals to pensioners in Burnham-on-Sea, Highbridge and the surrounding areas around three months ago after hearing that people in her community were struggling to eat nutritious meals.

The 57 year old previously worked in school kitchens but due to health reasons she left her last job and decided to start her own business in 2011.

“I have always been passionate about food and have worked in kitchens for most of my career,” Fiona said.

“I used to work in a school kitchen in Bridgwater and while I was there I was diagnosed with Meniere’s Disease. It affects my balance so I needed to get a job I could do from home.

“After I left my job I started cake making and I started selling cakes by the slice at local markets.

“My business just grew from there and I started Jemima’s Quality Cakes & Catering. I can do wedding cakes, afternoon tea events at my home and catering for events.

“About three months ago I had heard that a lot of people in the area were struggling to get nutritious meals and thought it is something I should offer.

“People need to eat proper, nutritious food and to have the respect of having a meal they are going to enjoy.

“What is the point of getting someone to pay for a meal if they are not going to enjoy it?”

Fiona said a handful of people in Burnham, Highbridge and the surrounding areas have signed up for the meals service and she hopes to build it up this year.

On Sunday’s and Wednesday’s users of the service can enjoy a homemade roast dinner with all the trimmings and a homemade pudding and Fiona can create personal menus for her clients and deliver meals to their homes from Monday to Friday.

Prices start at £5 and Fiona will deliver meals to homes in the TA8 and TA9 postcode area for free.

“This year I want to try and build up the service this year and it would be great if I could bring these meals out to the community more,” Fiona said.

“I am going to make some enquiries soon to see if I could host a lunch or supper club at Burnham Community Hall.

“For me its not just about money its about the reward of seeing people enjoy a good, nutritious meal and giving something back to people in my community.”