Awareness campaign to begin March 20 (Unison at Veiner Centre image)

By Brian Konrad

Meals On Wheels continues to face challenges from higher food, gasoline costs

Mar 1, 2023 | 2:32 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Increasing costs for food and gasoline have impacted everyone, including the Meals on Wheels charity in Medicine Hat.

The Kerby Centre took over management of the Veiner and Strathcona Centres about 18 months ago, and that also incorporated the Meals on Wheels program under a new name, Unison at Veiner Centre.

Larry Mathieson is the president and CEO of the group and he says they prepared and delivered over 30,000 meals last year, as the number of clients continued to increase.

But the increased demand, combined with higher food and gasoline costs, continue to challenge the program and volunteers.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

19h ago

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

IN THE COMMUNITY

'Compassionate Friends' offer peer support for bereaved in Medicine Hat

Dec 11, 2024

“We hadn’t had an increase in the price of Meals on Wheels since 2017 and last year we had to increase the price to keep up with inflation,” says Mathieson.

However, rising gasoline prices also took a toll, he adds.

“We rely on massive volunteer support to make this program work and we lost seven drivers because of higher gas prices this year,” explains Mathieson.

Meals on Wheels does receive financial support from the City of Medicine Hat, but the number of subsidized clients doubled last year.

Mathieson says Meals On Wheels is a form of food security for seniors, helping them to stay in their homes longer.

Volunteers are also trained to look for signs a senior may be in some type of distress and perform daily wellness checks of the people on their list.

A campaign called March for Meals later this month aims to raise awareness for the program, using prominent members of the community to help deliver the meals and see first hand impact of the program. It will take place from March 20-24.

Opportunities to donate or volunteer can be found on the Unison website.
You may also contact Jolene McIvor at 403-525-8901, or by email at jolenem@veintercentre.com