What We Do
Improving health outcomes
About Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels (MOW) delivers nutritious, delicious and affordable meals to a variety of groups, including: seniors, people with physical disabilities and cognitive impairments, individuals suffering from illnesses and recovering from surgeries, and those who need special dietary planning and assistance.
MOW are delivered in 181 communities across Ontario. Most MOW programs in Canada were started by local church groups or steering committees that saw a need to help feed elderly populations in their communities. Today, MOW programs still operate at the local level. Programs vary widely in their size, service provided, organization and funding.
The majority of MOW programs deliver meals hot and ready-to-eat, but some deliver frozen meals in containers ready to microwave. Some hot meal programs provide an additional frozen meal during the days prior to a weekend or holiday when there would be no delivery.
Depending on the program, meals may be delivered by paid drivers or by volunteers who are screened, trained and usually live in your community. There are 125 not-for-profit organizations receiving government funding from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to provide Meals on Wheels. This government funding covers only part of the cost - the difference is made up by donations and/or client fees, which are kept as low as possible.
*Based on self-reported data from 2022-2023 Ontario Health Records System (OHRS). Actual figures may be much higher.
Benefits of Meals on Wheels
Access to well-balanced, affordable meals is critical to the independence and overall well being of Meals on Wheels' clients. Research shows that healthy eating provides essential energy and nutrients for general welfare, maintenance of health and functional autonomy, and reduces the risk for chronic diseases at older ages.
The benefits of MOW are emotional and psychological, as well as physical:
Connection to companionship, wellness checks, and resources in the community
Help with dietary planning and maintaining independence
Access to culturally and dietary specific meals
Services that support the overall health and well being of its clients
Impact Stories
Read inspiring stories of how Meals on Wheels organizations used OCSP funding.
As a response to COVID-19, the Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility and OCSA provided special Ontario Community Support Program funding (OCSP) to Meals on Wheels organizations to serve the province's most vulnerable.
More About What We Do
March for Meals
An annual campaign to increase awareness and community engagement with local Meals on Wheels providers.
OCSA
The Ontario Community Support Association champions for the home and community support sector.
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