A Quarter of Pensioners Struggle With Food Shopping

MELKSHAM, England, July 26, 2010 - New research has shown that as many as 24% of those over the age of 65
regularly struggle with basic grocery shopping.

According to the study, which was carried out by nationwide home meals
service Oakhouse Foods, the proportion of those having difficulties rises to
39% amongst pensioners who are living alone. The biggest challenges cited by
respondents were carrying shopping bags (42%) and being able to get to the
shops (37%).

Worryingly, it also emerged that almost a third of those experiencing
difficulties had no help at all with grocery shopping.

The research was undertaken alongside the launch of the Oakhouse Foods
Grocery Essentials service, which allows individuals to order grocery
products like milk, bread and eggs together with their regular home meals.

Managing director Tony Blood said, "We knew this was an issue from
talking to our customers and our research has highlighted the need for a
user-friendly shopping service for the elderly without complications like
internet-only ordering systems and added delivery charges.

"Without proper access to basic shopping there is a very real danger of
malnutrition and our services are aimed at helping people to remain
independent in their own homes for as long as possible."

Notes to editors

The study was conducted in partnership with Mature Times
Magazine between 14th and 21st July 2010. A questionnaire was emailed to
10,000 recipients and also posted online. A total of 978 responses were
received.

Oakhouse Foods managing director Tony Blood is available for
comment and interviews if required. High res images and case studies from
customers already using the service are also available. Please contact Helen
Deighton for further details.

Background Information

Oakhouse Foods was established in 1994 and was one of the
pioneers in providing a home delivery service for frozen meals and desserts.
Today we deliver to thousands of customers each week and offer the largest
range in the market with over 300 meals and desserts. The service offers free
weekly deliveries and meals start at GBP1.65.

We also provide a home delivered grocery service. Our newly
extended range includes over 500 products including basics like milk, eggs
and bread.

The Oakhouse Foods service is aimed at helping the elderly and infirm
remain independent in their own homes. We operate via a network of
franchisees throughout Britain.

    Press Contact:

    Helen Deighton, Oakhouse Foods, Unit 1 Challeymead Business Park,
    Melksham SN12 8BU
    Telephone: +44(0)1225-899824
    Fax: +44(0)1225-792025
    Email: helen.deighton@oakhousefoods.co.uk
    Website: www.oakhousefoods.co.uk

Press Contact: Helen Deighton, Oakhouse Foods, Unit 1 Challeymead Business Park, Melksham SN12 8BU, Telephone: +44(0)1225-899824, Fax: +44(0)1225-792025, Email: helen.deighton at oakhousefoods.co.uk