Meals on wheels in Nelson and Marlborough will cost 60% more from next year because the District Health Board says it can no longer carry losses from the service.
At present the meal costs $4, which will rise to $6.40 in two stages, the first to take place in October and the next on 1 April 2011.
The Nelson-Marlborough District Health Board says prices haven't changed in seven years, but, with a projected shortfall this year of $150,000, it has to act.
Nelson Greypower president Gordon Currie says he understands the DHB has cost pressures, but says many of those who receive meals on wheels are a soft target for savings.
The Health Board says the $6.40 cost of the two-course meal is about average for DHBs.
