This week March 22- 26 is the March for Meals annual event in our community. The event is intended to increase the awareness about the Meals on Wheels program.
Caroline Rooney, Supervisor at Carefor NorDun Community Support Centre, and Michele Morgan, Supervisor of Carefor North-Stor Community Support Centre, see the increased need in the community on a daily basis. The March for Meals is an event marked throughout North America that helps raise awareness in the community about the issue of food security for seniors.The last year has seen a considerable increase in the need for the meals delivery service.The service provides a nutritious hot meal delivered to the client’s home by an army of dedicated volunteers. All deliveries have been contactless since the beginning of the pandemic. The meals improve the quality of life and promote health for at-risk seniors.
The March for Meals Week is very important as dignitaries, local business people, celebrities, local members of government throughout North America all come together to raise awareness surrounding the issue of food security for an increasing senior population. Meals delivered to at-risk seniors are not just meals. They allow for a security check by a dedicated volunteer. This can offer peace of mind to loved ones who live some distance away, especially during this last year. The delivery provides the senior with regular person-to-person contact. Important relationships are developed.
Eric Duncan, MP for Stormont, Dundas, and South Glengarry, joined in helping deliver meals last week. He pitched in to help a week early.
The last year has seen a tenfold increase in the need for food security for seniors. Seniors and the disabled are susceptible to poor health through lack of nutrition, and can have trouble accessing balanced meals. Isolation was a reality for seniors and the disabled before the pandemic, and that has only increased since March 2020. Carefor maintained a meal delivery programme prior to the pandemic, as well as in-person dinners. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Carefor Meal Delivery programme has increased its capacity by 88%. The need is still growing.
If you, or someone you know in North Dundas would benefit from the Meal Delivery Programme you can reach them at 613-774-6109. For those in North Stormont, call 613-984-2436. Check out the entire Carefor programme at carefor.ca.
