Free online meal planning service launches for Hertfordshire residents

Households throughout Hertfordshire are being encouraged by local authorities to use an online meal planning service, which aims to make cooking easier, healthier and more affordable.

Hertfordshire County Council has teamed up with FiveDinners, to provide residents with free access to the platform’s premium subscription service, until April 2027. 

The initiative which launched this month, is open to households who live in all 10 district and borough councils across the county, including Watford and Three Rivers. 

Founded by TV chef and author Theo Michaels, FiveDinners is an award-winning platform which offers weekly meal plans – that help families save time and money, as well as reducing food waste. 

Over 30,000 households across the UK have already joined FiveDinners. The service offers users weekly plans based on their personal preferences and dietary needs. The platform also provides a complete shopping list to make buying food quicker and easier. 

Additionally, users will gain access to step-by-step recipes that are suitable for all levels – including budget-friendly family meals, low-calorie and allergy-aware dishes. 

Theo Michaels said: “As a father of three and working fulltime I know how hard it can be for many families and individuals to figure out what to cook every night.”

Michaels went on to say that “by working with” local authorities such as Three Rivers District Council it would make it “easier for families to enjoy delicious, affordable, home-cooked meals together,” whilst “helping them save money and cut food waste”. 

He continued: “And because the plans are personalised, you can set your preferences; number of people you are feeding, allergies, etc. and get a brand new personalised meal plan with a complete shopping list every week.”

The average UK household now spends around £5,296 a year on food, with weekly costs up by nearly 5.6% compared to 2025 – according to research by NimbleFins. Additionally, about three quarters of people’s food budget is spent on meals and snacks, which are prepared and eaten at home.

Last month, the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), revised its food inflation forecast, following recent geopolitical events in the Middle East. It now anticipates that food inflation will reach 9% by the end of 2026.  

Commenting on how FiveDinners can help local residents, Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “We know that many people are feeling the pressure of rising food costs and busy daily lives. This free meal planning service is a simple but effective way to help residents save money, eat well, and reduce waste.

“I encourage everyone to sign up and give it a try, it’s quick, easy, and could make a real difference to your weekly routine and budgeting.”

To design your free meal plan visit the FiveDinners website here.