ONE CARE Supports Community with Meals on Wheels Program

In a rural community, ONE CARE understands the importance of delivering nutritious meals to those who are not only unable to cook for themselves, but travel to buy groceries. This year marks the 22nd annual March for Meals – a month-long provincial campaign celebration to increase awareness and community engagement with local Meals on Wheels providers across Ontario.

This month recognizes the dedication of the thousands of people across the province, who tirelessly deliver this critical service. Volunteers, for instance, support ONE CARE by preparing, packaging, and delivering meals, helping to address food insecurity and social isolation in our community.

“Our Meals on Wheels program not only provides the necessary nutrition for good health, but our volunteers are crucial to the wellbeing of people living alone,” says Kathy Scanlon, Executive Director of ONE CARE. “They perform a valuable security and social welfare check for isolated clients and have had to notify proper authorities of an accident or injury. This program has saved lives.”

Ontario’s most vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities are currently facing extraordinary levels of food insecurity. With the demand for nutritious and affordable meals growing each day, and despite funding and staffing challenges, Meals on Wheels program staff and volunteers continue to go the extra mile to serve those in need. In the last month, ONE CARE volunteers have travelled over 6,000KM delivering over 1,400 meals in Huron County.

Mayor of Goderich, Trevor Basinet, helped to deliver meals this week to learn more about the program and really understand the needs in our community.

“To see firsthand how thankful everyone was to receive the meal is something that I will never forget”, says Mayor Bazinet. “So many people are in need, and ONE CARE, along with its volunteers, do a remarkable job providing several services in our community. Today has left a lasting impression on me.”

During the month of March, community-based Meals on Wheels programs across the province are participating in an awareness campaign to highlight the importance of vulnerable seniors and individuals with disabilities having access to nutritious meals, friendly visits, and safety checks.

For more information on how you can support ONE CARE, visit www.onecaresupport.ca