Meals on Wheels has been around for a long time, but the recent pandemic has created an even bigger demand, both for the service and for volunteers to deliver the meals.
Run by the Victorian Order of Nurses (VoN), Meals on Wheels delivers nutritious meals to seniors, people with disabilities, those recovering from surgery and a variety of others who have difficulties meeting their dietary needs.
It operates 181 communities across Ontario, including Guelph and Wellington County, where it delivers around 44,000 meals a year.
In Guelph there are 60 to 80 people who use the service.
“We’ve certainly seen an increase in demand, especially now that seniors are being asked to stay at home and their loved ones are not able to come check on them or get groceries for them,” said Heather MacArthur, senior manager of home and community care with VoN.
“We anticipate that we’ll definitely continue to see (an increase) in the weeks to come.”
Hot meals delivered in the Guelph area are made and picked up at St. Joseph’s Health Centre. There are also frozen meals delivered during the week.
Cost of the service is covered through government funding, charitable contributions and sometimes minimal fees charged clients.
The pandemic has seen an increased number of people registering for the service while the number of volunteers has declined.
The meals are usually delivered by 80 volunteers, 60 of those from Guelph.
“We also realize that some of our volunteers at this time are just taking a break to take care of their own health and safety and well-being and we understand,” McArthur said.
Staff members from VoN who were working in other programs that are currently suspended, are now filling the gaps.
“Because we understand how important this program is to help people and their loved ones stay safe and healthy within their homes,’ MacArthur said.
It’s not just the meals clients get from the program, it’s the human interaction.
“Volunteers usually drop off the food and have a friendly visit. Check in and see how they’re doing,” MacArthur said. “It’s social support.”
“It’s not simply ‘here’s a meal,’” adds Davina Wong, regional executive director with VoN. “At VoN we’re really try to encourage for people to try to live their lives at home every single day.”
Things have had to be changed since COVID-19.
Now it’s a phone call prior to the visit to make sure the client is well, the meal is then placed outside the door if the client is able to retrieve it or the volunteer will make sure the person is not nearby as they drop it inside.
Anyone looking to volunteer or donate to Meals on Wheels can go to www.von.ca. Anyone interested in signing up for the service can call 519-323-2330.
