Organizations team up to cook Meals on Wheels for County seniors

MLP kitchen staff Lori McCormick and Jordan Gorsline fill up cups of soup for the Meals on Wheels program. The soup was served up with entrees of barbecue meatballs, rice and peas.

The Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association has been delivering hot Meals on Wheels to County residents for 45 years. Following the retirement of long-time meal provider Bill Grieve, of Wheelhouse & Occasions Catering, the organization was in need of a second local meal provider for the program.

Debbie MacDonald Moynes, Executive Director of Community Care, reports the Manor on Loyalist Parkway (MLP) Retirement Residence has stepped up to the task.

“MLP has joined the H. J. McFarland Memorial Home as a meal provider. McFarland Home has been with the program since 1980 and together these two organizations make sure that high quality and tasty hot meals are available for delivery to seniors five days a week,” said MacDonald Moynes. “We’re just thrilled that MLP is fully on board with the goals of the program – to help seniors live at home.”

Meals on Wheels contributes directly to the well-being of local seniors who are aging in place, many of whom face mobility challenges or social isolation.

“Caring for seniors doesn’t stop at our doors,” said Jamie Kelly, General Manager at MLP Retirement Residence. “By supporting Meals on Wheels, we’re helping ensure that vulnerable older adults in our community feel valued, physically and emotionally supported, while having nourishing meals vetted by a certified dietician following the Canada Health Food Guide.”

Prince Edward County has one of the highest senior populations in Ontario. Thanks to more than 400 dedicated Prince Edward Community Care for Seniors volunteers, a variety of essential services are available to help older adults live independently at home. Last year alone, volunteers delivered 10,704 meals to County seniors.

Beyond Meals on Wheels, Community Care for Seniors offers a range of services, including transportation, reassurance programs, foot care, grocery delivery, help with forms, homemaking and home maintenance, caregiver support, and virtual and in-person social activities.

To learn more or to register for services, call Community Care for Seniors at 613-476-7493 or visit www.communitycareforseniors.org.

Bill and Marni Grieve cooked up meals for seniors for 15 years