ONTARIO, March 1, 2023 – This March, Meals on Wheels Ontario, with the support of Johnson Insurance, is pleased to participate in the 21^st annual March for Meals – a month-long celebration of Meals on Wheels (MOW) and the thousands of people across the province who rely on this critical service. This year we acknowledge the tireless efforts of the many volunteers who support MOW programs; preparing, packaging, and delivering meals, and helping to address hunger and social isolation. 

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, Meals on Wheels continues to rise to meet the need. 

“Due to the pressure of increasing food costs and overall higher costs of living, we are seeing overwhelming demand for Meals on Wheels programs,” says Deborah Simon, CEO of the Ontario Community Support Association. “Many of our association members have reported significant drops in the number of volunteers due in part to many of them being seniors themselves and unable to participate in the same way during the pandemic. With the dramatic jump in the need for services, volunteers are needed now more than ever and we say a big thank you to everyone who is willing to commit their time and effort to MOW programs across the province.”

 During the month of March, community-based Meals on Wheels programs across the province will participate in activities and awareness campaigns to promote the impact of these programs and highlight the importance of vulnerable seniors having access to a nutritious meal, friendly visit and safety check.

 For more information on how you can volunteer, visit Meals on Wheels Ontario

-30-

About OCSA 

Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) represents close to 240 not-for-profit organizations that provide home care and community support services that help seniors and people with disabilities live independently in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. These compassionate and cost-effective services improve quality of life and prevent unnecessary hospitalizations, emergency room visits and premature institutionalization. They are the key to a sustainable health care system for Ontario. 

For more information, visit www.ocsa.on.ca and https://twitter.com/OCSAtweets. 

For interviews and information requests please contact: 

Karla Sealy – Manager of Communications 

Ontario Community Support Association 

416-256-3010 ext. 242 

Karla.sealy@ocsa.on.ca