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Happy in my Home taking part in 22nd annual March for Meals

This March, Meals on Wheels (MOW) Ontario aims to increase awareness around the need for our vulnerable older adults and individuals with disabilities to have access to well-balanced and affordable meals
Niagara-on-the-Lake Local Staff
Food
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NEWS RELEASE
HAPPY IN MY HOME, CSSN
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Happy in my Home, Community Support Services of Niagara (CSSN) is pleased to participate in the 22nd annual March for Meals – a month-long celebration of Meals on Wheels and the thousands of people across the province who rely on this critical service. This March, Meals on Wheels (MOW) Ontario aims to increase awareness around the need for our vulnerable older adults and individuals with disabilities to have access to well-balanced and affordable meals. MOW’s benefits extend beyond supporting their general welfare, maintaining health and functional autonomy, it also encompasses emotional and psychological benefits.

Ontario's most vulnerable older adults and people with disabilities are currently facing extraordinary levels of food insecurity. With the demand for nutritious and affordable meals growing each day, Meals on Wheels continues to rise to meet the need.

“Due to the pressure of increasing food costs and overall higher cost of living, we have experienced an increase in the demand for our services in Welland/Pelham area as well as the Grimsby, Lincoln and West Lincoln area,” said Carolyn Askeland, executive director of Happy in my Home, CSSN. “Many of our dedicated volunteers are seniors themselves and with the dramatic jump in demand for our services, volunteers are needed now more than ever. Happy in my Home, CSSN continues to make a difference in our community through the provision of the MOW program ensuring older adults have access to healthy and nutritious meals, not only permitting them to live independently in their homes, but also assisting in reducing local costs associated with hospital admissions.”

Since April 1, 2023 Happy in my Home, CSSN has provided more than 35,445 hot and frozen meals within our geographical regions. It is noteworthy to mention that MOW is not just about delivering meals, our volunteers perform wellness checks with each delivery ensuring our seniors are safe and doing well, giving family members peace of mind.

During the month of March, community-based Meals on Wheels programs across the province will participate in activities and awareness campaigns to promote the impact of these programs and highlight the importance of vulnerable seniors having access to a nutritious meal, friendly visit and safety check.

“Throughout the week of March 18, 2024 Happy in my Home, CSSN will be raising awareness about Meals on Wheels, the impact of the program and our amazing volunteers with five flag raising ceremonies over four days,” said Lynne Rousseau, program manager. “Mayors from Welland, Pelham, Lincoln, West Lincoln and Grimsby will be assisting our volunteers with the delivery of hot meals, as well as hosting flag raisings in each of their communities. This is known as Mayors for Meals week. “Our Mayors are supporting us again this year and we can’t thank them enough for being champions of Happy in my Home, CSSN”

For more information on how you can volunteer, visit www.happyinmyhome.ca. If volunteering is not currently an option for you, please consider a donation to Happy in my Home, CSSN MOW program so that we can continue to provide low cost, nutritionally balanced hot meals to our vulnerable population allowing our older adults to stay safe, independent and happy in their home.

The public is welcome to join Happy in my Home, CSSN, the Mayors, staff and volunteers at the following flag raising ceremonies in their communities. Schedule is as follows; Monday March 18 at 10:30 a.m. with Grimsby Mayor Jordan at Town Hall; Tuesday March 19 10:30 a.m. with Lincoln Mayor Easton at Town Hall; March 20 10 a.m. with Welland Mayor Campion at Town Hall and West Lincoln Mayor Ganann; and Thursday March 21 10 a.m. Pelham Mayor Junkin at Meridian Community Center; 11 a.m. Mr. Oosterhoff assisting with the delivery of meals.

Happy in my Home, Community Support Services of Niagara is a not-for-profit, volunteer-based agency providing non-clinical support services to older adults and adults with disabilities, allowing them to remain happily and independently in their own homes. Our services include Meals on Wheels, Transportation, Homemaking, Grocery Delivery, Friendly Visiting and Lunch Out programs, Wellness Checks, Snow Removal, Home Maintenance and Safety at Home Program.

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