Meals on Wheels

COVID-19 Update: An important message from Meals on Wheels (April 23, 2020)

Meals on Wheels is continuously monitoring and adjusting our protocols for the protection of clients, volunteers, staff and everyone in the community.  

We have made changes to how meals are picked up by volunteers and how they are delivered to clients:

• Volunteers are given hand sanitizer to use before and after meal delivery, and best practices for hand hygiene and instructions on how to wipe down their vehicles are being shared 
• All processes must follow physical distancing as recommended by public health authorities 
• No volunteer is to enter a client’s home unless instructed to do so 
• Meals are also never left unattended and volunteers must see that the client has received it before leaving 
• Meals on Wheels Ottawa screens both volunteers and clients for COVID-19 symptoms every day before they deliver or receive meals 

We understand many of our clients enjoy and rely on the caring contact by volunteers. Despite shortened interactions between clients and volunteers, and having to follow physical distancing at all times, volunteers are still able to provide that caring contact and do a quick check in to see how clients are coping.  

If at any time clients are in need of other services, they are encouraged to get in touch with Meals on Wheels who can recommend them to the appropriate community support agency. They can also sign up for other services such as pharmacy and grocery delivery, telephone safety checks, transportation and dementia support here: https://communitysupport.covidresponse.ca/. 

Thank you everyone who has reached out to express interest in volunteering with Meals on Wheels Ottawa at this time. Due to the high number of applicants, we ask for your patience while you wait to hear back from us.   

We thank all current and new volunteers for their support and flexibility in adjusting to new and changing protocols. We also applaud those who help by stepping back from face to face volunteering at this time to protect themselves and the community.  

As circumstances change, we will continue to adapt our plans and protocols to address the safety of our clients, volunteers, and staff in response to the evolving situation. Our website will be updated with any new changes. Please check here for details. 

For frequent updates and important information, please also visit: 

• Ottawa Public Health 
• Ministry of Health 
• COVID-19 self-assessment 
• Multilingual resources for COVID-19 (Ottawa Public Health) 
• Eastern Ontario Health Unit

 Meals on Wheels provides a vital service to a vulnerable population, and in this time of uncertainty we have seen the community come together to support one another. Thank you to those who have provided support and donations to ensure the best continuity of our service while keeping the community healthy. 

Read our past updates here.

For over 50 years, Meals on Wheels, a not-for-profit agency, has been dedicated to providing nutritious meals, daily check-ins, and comfort with a smile.

Our daily hot meal program and weekly frozen meals paid services are available on both a short-term and long-term basis to eligible clients:

• Seniors
• Adults who are chronically ill
• Adults living with a disability
• Adults convalescing from surgery or illness
• Adults undergoing medical treatment

Why choose Meals on Wheels?

In addition to providing nutritious meals, this volunteer-based program allows members of the community to remain in their homes as an alternative to costly retirement or nursing residences. Daily visits from Meals on Wheels volunteers provide peace of mind and support to their loved ones and themselves.

Which neighbourhoods does Meals on Wheels serve?

This program is offered to residents of central Ottawa. Please see our service area map for more information and for a list of other meal program providers outside of central Ottawa.

View the Meals on Wheels Brochure.

Community support services e-referral – Caredove