The Ontario Association of Food Banks has come out with their 2018 report. It shows that the amount of seniors using food banks has risen by 10 percent. The increase is three times faster than the general population.
Meals on Wheels London logo.
Chad Callander is the Manager of Fundraising and Community Engagement at Meals on Wheels London. Meals on Wheels provides meals to seniors and adults with disabilities. The increase does not surprise those at Meals on Wheels London.
“This year alone we seen a 37 percent increase in those who require subsidies. That means people who can’t afford the basics of the meal but also have to get a subsidized price as well. So I would say we’re starting to even succeed that number,” said Callander.
Darryl Hall is the Executive Director at Meals on Wheels. He says the increase could be due to an aging population.
“Not only within London, the demographic in Ontario is shifting. We’re an aging population, and more folks are dependent on subsidy programs,” said Hall.
The busiest time of year is approaching for Meals on Wheels. Callander says they get the most volunteers helping on Christmas day.
“People give up their Christmas day believe it or not. We actually have more volunteers on that day than we know what to do with. Just because people are so generous so they come and bring their families,” said Callander.
You can help the increasing amount of seniors who are using services such as Meals on Wheels by visiting their website.
