Meals on Wheels adds pet food delivers in Ontario pilot

A new Sudbury pilot program delivers pet supplies via Meals on Wheels, helping seniors on fixed incomes keep their pets at home.

A new partnership between the Ontario Community Support Association and the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society aims to help seniors care for their pets by delivering pet food alongside Meals on Wheels.

The initiative is being introduced through an initial pilot with a small group of providers, including Meals on Wheels Sudbury and Meals on Wheels Cornwall, which has already completed its first pet food deliveries.

By using existing Meals on Wheels routes, volunteers can deliver pet supplies donated by the Ontario SPCA during regular visits. The program is designed to address challenges many older adults face, including limited mobility, fixed incomes and transportation barriers.

“Pets are family, and we know the positive impact they have on people’s mental and emotional health,” said Jennifer Bluhm, vice-president of community outreach for the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, in a news release.

Lori Holloway, CEO of the Ontario Community Support Association, said the partnership responds to real challenges.

“We know that seniors are struggling with loneliness and isolation,” Holloway said in an interview with CTV News.

“We’re all very familiar about the rising costs of food and just cost of living in general. And a lot of seniors don’t have fixed income. So, this is a little way that we can help, two organizations coming together to say, you know, what is important to seniors, and their pets.”

Small supports seen as making a difference

Local providers are already seeing how the program can improve quality of life for clients.

“Pets can play a powerful role in reducing the isolation many seniors experience,” said Tammi Lear, executive director of Meals on Wheels Sudbury.

“Meals on Wheels Sudbury is excited to partner with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society to help keep our seniors healthy, connected, and able to remain in their homes with their pets.”

Andree-Ann Morin, Meals on Wheels coordinator at Glen Stor Dun Lodge in Cornwall, said the pilot recognizes that food security includes pets.

“This pilot program recognizes that food security doesn’t stop with the individual – it includes the pets who bring comfort and companionship,” Morin said.

“Thanks to the Ontario SPCA, we’ve already been able to help clients who were struggling with the cost, access and special dietary needs of their pets.”

Officials with OCSA said evidence shows pets can reduce loneliness and support mental well-being among older adults. Holloway said the impact is already visible.

“Pets play a critical role in reducing loneliness and supporting mental health, and small supports can have a significant impact on overall well-being,” she said.

“They’re seeing more and more where seniors through no fault of their own, it could be just related to income and means, or having to turn over their most valued companion.”

Logistics still being worked out

Holloway said there are still details to finalize before the program can expand.

“Meals on Wheels organizations coordinate with volunteers. You know how much space they have for storage,” she said. “There’s quite a few logistics things to figure out, but this could be something that we hope could be long-lasting and eventually available to all Meals on Wheels organizations.”

The partnership is a collaboration between community support providers and animal welfare services. The OCSA and Ontario SPCA said they will continue working together to explore opportunities to expand the program with additional community partners across Ontario.