Mayor Jeff Leal Helps Deliver Meals to Seniors For Community Care Peterborough's Meals On Wheels Program During 'March For Meals'

To highlight Community Care Peterborough’s (CCP) work and the growing need for its services, they partnered with Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal to deliver hot food through the Meals on Wheels program on Monday morning.

Mayor Jeff Leal (left) going over the newly delivered meal to CCP client, Jane (Right). This meal was prepared by Maple Ridge Retirement Services and consisted of Shepherd’s Pie with mixed veggies, a roll, soup, salad and fruit tart. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Each March, Meals on Wheels providers across the province participate in a month-long initiative called ‘March for Meals.’

Part of the campaign involves inviting local mayors and other prominent community members to deliver meals to seniors and people with disabilities while raising awareness of the program.

“The meals are a big help and I really enjoy the variety,” said Jane, a Meals on Wheels client.

(From left to right) Meals on Wheels Volunteers Jim and Bob; Mayor Jeff Leal; Danielle Belair, CCP CEO and Brenda Twaddell, CCP coordinator of Meals on Wheels and grocery services. Community Care Peterborough also offers a Meals on Wheels subsidy program for clients in need of financial assistance. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Mobility challenges, health conditions, and transportation barriers can make shopping and preparing meals challenging for many seniors and adults with disabilities.

Last year, Community Care Peterborough delivered over 50,000 meals to clients. Over three million meals are delivered annually by Meals on Wheels agencies across Ontario, serving more than 60,000 individuals. The demand for Meals on Wheels continues to grow, according to Danielle Belair, CCP CEO.

“The services we provide to clients in the City and County of Peterborough are critical and the demand is continuing to increase,” she said. “Together, we can keep seniors living independently, healthier at home and feeling more connected to their community as they age.”

@ptbo_canada To highlight Community Care Peterborough’s work and the growing need for its services, they partnered with Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal to deliver hot food through the Meals on Wheels program. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #mealsonwheels ♬ Cooking Time - Lux-Inspira

March for Meals encourages members of the public to volunteer to deliver meals in their communities.

“Our volunteers are the heart of this program,” said Brenda Twaddell, CCP coordinator of Meals on Wheels and grocery services. “The program is so much more than a meal – it’s a social visit and a safety check by a dedicated volunteer. It really is neighbours helping neighbours. The need for this program is growing and we would love to welcome more volunteers to help make these important deliveries.”

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