Who We Are
Meals On Wheels (Sudbury) was established as a grassroots pilot project in 1971, with the intent to keep people independent in their homes by supplying daily hot nutritious meals. Today, we serve hundreds of local residents delicious and healthy meals every week thanks to our home delivery service.
We assist those in need of nutritional support who need short term (caregiver relief, recuperation, seasonal) or long term assistance. Meals On Wheels (Sudbury) currently has approximately 120 volunteers. In 2015, these volunteers accumulated over 5,000 hours with our volunteer drivers logging over 92,000 km in deliveries alone.
Our Mission
Meals On Wheels (Sudbury) is a community-focused organization embracing volunteerism in the provision of nutritious meals and services.
Our Vision
A community where all people have access to nutritious meals.
Collaboration
We are committed to working with others to build a healthy community.
People
We are committed to supporting the collective value of our clients, volunteers, and staff.
Wellness
We are committed to pursuing individual and community health and well-being.
Sustainability
We are committed to pursuing and maintaining an adaptable and accountable organization.
Freqently Asked Questions
Information Services
Why do you need an alternate emergency contact?
Meals On Wheels (Sudbury) wants to ensure your safety and well being. We ask for two (2) emergency contacts to make sure you are receiving meals on a regular basis.
How do I sign up for services?
You can contact the Meals On Wheels (Sudbury) office at (705) 525-4554 or complete the application online. Please note that all information is to be filled in before services can begin.
How soon can I get started?
Individuals can begin receiving our services within 24-48 business hours of completing and application. This time frame is not guaranteed but we do our best to get new clients started as soon as possible.
Are your clients only Senior Citizens?
No, we have clients that are under 65 that suffer from a variety of other illnesses that render them unable to prepare meals for themselves. In addition we do provide meals for caregivers and new moms. Please see the Eligibility section of our website for more information.
How do I qualify to receive meals?
Meals On Wheels (Sudbury) services are available to individuals who are homebound and/or not able to prepare meals. Please see the Eligibility section of our website.
The Meals
What if I am not home?
Arrangements can be made no later than 48 business hours before delivery to cancel the meal. Another option is to arrange for pick up at the Meals On Wheels (Sudbury) office by 4:30 p.m. Without prior notice, a volunteer will attempt to deliver the meal. If the client is not home, the meal will be returned to the Meals On Wheels (Sudbury) office and the client will be charged for the meal.
I find the hot meal is a lot of food for me to eat in one sitting. Am I able to enjoy it later?
Yes, if you are unable to eat all the hot meal, or right away, we recommend that the food is refrigerated. The meal is best within 3 days and can be reheated as needed, enrtée lid to be removed before heating.
Do you accommodate special diets?
We offer sugar substitute desserts with our Hot Meal Program and we can prepare food for special diets. Pureed, diabetic, and other special diets can be ordered through our HMR program.
Where does the food come from?
The ‘Hot Meals’ (HMP) are prepared fresh daily in our commercial kitchen, Home Of Our Own Catering (HOOO), a division of Meals On Wheels (Sudbury). Our ‘Frozen Meals’ (HMR) program is prepared by Entrée Plus.
What are the meals like?
The Hot Meal Program (HMP) covers 40% of your recommended daily nutrition based on Canada’s food guide for older people and have been identified as being among the most nutritious in the province. The hot meals include juice, protein in the form of meat, starches (potatoes or pasta), vegetables, soup, salad, and a dessert. Home Meal Replacements (HMRs) are frozen meals that offer the same 40% daily calorie intake and consist of an entrée, soup, and dessert. However, milk and salad are not included with the HMRs.
Meal Delivery
What if I am away unexpectedly?
We understand things happen. Meals On Wheels (Sudbury) staff members and volunteers are concerned about your well being. We encourage you to contact the office or ask another individual to contact us as soon as possible. Our office is open Monday to Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or you can leave a message on our answering service after hours at (705) 525-4554.
Can the volunteer leave my meal if I am not home one day?
No, Meals On Wheels (Sudbury) policy is that volunteers are instructed never to leave a meal unattended. It is important to make contact with clients and ensure everything is okay as well as to ensure food safety.
Who delivers the meals?
Meals are delivered each weekday by our dedicated volunteers from our community.
What time are the meals delivered?
Meals are delivered Monday to Friday between 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. by a trained volunteer. There is no pre-arranged delivery time and clients are to be aware that volunteers have from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to deliver all meals.
How does it work?
Hot nutritious meals (HMP) are delivered to your door Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays) and you can choose to receive them 1 to 5 days a week. The Home Meal Replacement’s (HMR) are ordered every two (2) weeks.
Meal Cost and Payment
How do I pay?
Invoices are mailed during the first week of each month. Clients are invoiced for the previous month’s services. Payments are to be received by Meals On Wheels (Sudbury) before the 25th day of each month. Please send all payments to the main office. Volunteers do not accept payments for services. Payments are accepted in cash, cheque, credit card, electronic transfer to manager@sudburymeals.org or money order. *If sending via mail service, do not send cash.
How much do the meals cost?
Daily hot meals (HMP) cost $9.25, sugar substitute meals cost $9.50, and Home Meal Replacements (HMR) cost $9.75. All prices are subject to change. If you are on a limited income and feel you may not be able to afford the meals, we do have a subsidy assessment program. To learn more about applying for a subsidy please contact our office today.
Volunteering
What can my congregation or company do to help?
Your congregation or company can become a corporate volunteer. Employer Supported Volunteerism, volunteers are employees who volunteer for a non-profit organization through a partnership between their employer and the non-profit organization. Employer Supported Volunteerism, volunteers may wish to hold a fundraising event to benefit Meals On Wheels (Sudbury), take up a collection or a “love offering”, ask their employer to match an employee donation, or even allow employees to volunteer during regular business hours.
I live in an outlying area. Am I still able to volunteer?
Yes! Meals On Wheels (Sudbury) would designate a depot area to meet you with the meals for you to deliver.
How can I volunteer with Meals On Wheels (Sudbury)?
Complete our online application form here or contact our Volunteer Coordinator by phone at (705) 525-4554 or by email at volunteercoordinator@sudburymeals.org
Donating to Meals on Wheels
What other kinds of donations would be helpful?
Here are other ways to make a donation to Meals On Wheels (Sudbury): Give a gift of stock share, Give a gift of real estate, Remember us in your will, or Give a gift through an insurance policy.
Are donations tax deductible?
Yes, a donation in the form of cash, bequeaths, gifts in-kind, and in memoriam are all tax deductible. When a donation is received, a tax receipt is promptly sent out to the donor.
How can I honour the memory of someone special?
You can make a gift in memory of a special person indicating their name, and an acknowledgement card will be sent along with a tax receipt.
How can I make a donation?
You can call our office at (705) 525-4554, e-mail us at meals25@sudburymeals.org, or your can donate online today.