Today marks the start of the month-long March for Meals celebration with OCSA members across the province

Recognizing the contributions of Meals on Wheels volunteers with the support of March for Meals sponsor, Johnson Insurance

ONTARIO, March 1, 2023 – This March, Meals on Wheels Ontario, with the support of Johnson Insurance, is pleased to participate in the 21st 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


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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 



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OCSA Joins Communities Across Ontario to Celebrate March For Meals 2025

By Karla Sealy • March 1, 2025
ONTARIO, March 1, 2025 - This March, the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) is proud to stand with communities across Ontario in support of March for Meals, an annual campaign highlighting the essential role of Meals on Wheels programs. Delivered in 181 communities across the province, these programs provide nutritious meals, social connection, and safety checks for vulnerable seniors and adults with disabilities. Meals on Wheels Ontario, with the support of belairdirect, encourages Ontarians to show their support for March for Meals and the local Meals on Wheels programs that serve their communities. Together, these programs deliver over 3 million meals annually and provide vital assistance to nearly 70,000 Ontarians. As the demand for nutritious and affordable meals grows, so too do the challenges faced by local programs—including underfunding and volunteer shortages. Now more than ever, community support is essential to ensuring these programs continue to provide a lifeline to those who need it most. “Meals on Wheels programs are a cornerstone of home and community care in Ontario, ensuring that seniors and adults with disabilities have access to healthy meals, social connection, and safety checks,” says Deborah Simon, CEO of OCSA. “However, these programs face growing demand and funding challenges. March for Meals is an opportunity for all Ontarians to rally around these essential services and support their sustainability so that no one is left behind.” During the month of March, community-based Meals on Wheels programs across the province will host special events, engage local officials, and encourage community participation to raise awareness and support for these critical services. OCSA invites Ontarians to learn more about the impact of Meals on Wheels and explore ways to get involved. For more information on March for Meals and how you can support your local Meals on Wheels program, visit Meals on Wheels Ontario . About OCSA The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) champions a strong, sustainable home and community care sector in Ontario. The association represents over 220 not-for-profit organizations that deliver high-quality services that help seniors, people with disabilities, and those with complex care needs remain independent in their homes and communities. These proactive and cost-effective services prevent unnecessary hospitalizations, emergency room visits and premature institutionalization. For more information visit www.ocsa.on.ca or @OCSATweets For media inquiries please contact: Karla Sealy (she/her) Manager of Communications 416-256-3010/1-800-267-6272, ext 242 karla.sealy@ocsa.on.ca

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