Caledon Meals on Wheels

Sharing Recipient Stories

2023 Dufferin County Community Grant Recipient
$5,000

Sharing our grant story

Reporting Period: April 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024.
Caledon Meals on Wheels (CMOW) received a $5000 grant in 2023 for the provision of additional meal subsidies for low-income eligible clients living in Orangeville and Dufferin County.

Number of persons served & number of meals provided– Caledon Meals on Wheels (CMOW) provided and additional 9 Orangeville/Dufferin County residents (seniors, people with disabilities/ illness) in financial need with hot meals at an additional subsidy. CMOW in total provided 962 meals during this time frame.

Demographics (who was served)
● 9 additional individuals from Orangeville / Dufferin County Residents were registered for Meals on Wheels; 962 of meals were delivered to Orangeville/ Dufferin County residents
● 100% income was assessed as at or below the LICO (low income cut off)
● 100% of clients receiving subsidy lived in Orangeville/ Dufferin County; Female clients – 6; Male clients – 3
● 44.4 % of clients reported as having a mental health disability; 67.5 % have a physical disability – * these percentages reflect the information we are aware of, may in fact be higher as we don’t always know the full extent of any physical or mental health disabilities and some clients have both)
● 89 % were older adults/seniors (55+ years old)
Total hours operated for the year – Caledon Meals on Wheels (CMOW) continued to operate throughout this time frame as per normal business hours.

Substantiation of how the grant was utilized/how the program benefited – The total grant received was $5,000 and was used exclusively to support Orangeville/ Dufferin County clients by providing subsidies experiencing financial hardships and could not afford the meals. During the reporting period of April 1, 2023 to December 1, 2023 (9 months) a total of $7,591.50 in subsidies were provided to the 9 Orangeville/ Dufferin County residents. This allowed 962 meals to be delivered to Orangeville clients in need.

Noteworthy that as of December 1, 2023, we have two new Orangeville clients on full subsidy for 7 meals a week each.

Total hours operated for the year – Caledon Meals on Wheels (CMOW) continued to operate throughout this time frame as per normal business hours.

Share My Story
An elderly male client, residing in subsidized housing in Orangeville, faces significant health challenges with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and a seizure disorder. This individual is fully reliant on oxygen and experiences severe physical weakness, leading to extremely limited mobility. Caledon Meals on Wheels plays a pivotal role in his life, providing crucial support that extends beyond just meal delivery.

Due to his condition, the client is unable to come to the door, necessitating the assistance of dedicated volunteers. These volunteers enter his unit, navigate a flight of stairs, and carefully place his meals on a small table beside him. Recognizing the client’s mobility constraints, additional meals are thoughtfully stored in the fridge for reheating on non-delivery days, ensuring he has sustenance consistently.

Originally referred to Caledon Meals on Wheels by an OPP crisis worker, the client not only relies on the nutritional aspect of the service but also looks to further supports for his well-being.
Acknowledging new information about the client’s swallowing issues, the dedicated kitchen staff at CMOW has adapted their approach. Previously pre-cutting his meals to bite-size pieces, they have now taken the extra step of pureeing his entrees. This adjustment is a testament to our commitment to meeting the unique needs of each client. The philosophy at CMOW revolves around providing fresh, hot, and nutritious food, with the flexibility to prepare meals in a manner that suits the client’s requirements, whether cut, minced, or pureed.

Thanks to the Food for Thought Grant Caledon Meals on Wheels can continue to provide services that act as a lifeline for this client and many others in the Dufferin and Orangeville community, ensuring not only the provision of nourishing meals but also adapting to evolving health challenges. The organization’s unwavering dedication underscores its significance in enhancing the quality of life for individuals facing complex health conditions.

CMOW quote “”Caledon Meals on Wheels has been a steadfast provider of meals and financial support in Orangeville for seniors and individuals with disabilities for numerous years. Our firsthand experience has shown the profound impact of nourishment and social connections in bolstering individuals to maintain optimal health and independence within the comfort of their homes for an extended duration.”.

Unfortunately, due to client privacy/ confidentiality we are unable to provide client photos.

Should you have any questions please feel free to contact: Kim Rodrigues, Executive Director kim.rodrigues@cmow.org or 905 857 7651.