Heart to Home Meals is giving new life to a meal delivery service for seniors following the discontinuation of its funding last year.
The More Than Meals program originated during the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering meals and companionship to seniors throughout the capital region until United Way stopped funding it last year. When Scott Downton, owner of the Victoria branch of Heart to Home Meals – which started in Brampton, Ont. in 2007 – heard the program was ending, he saw a chance to help.
“Let's face it, as we all age, a lot of our capabilities are taken away from us,” said Downton. “You’re going to need assistance at times. That’s always appealed to me in one way or another—whether it's helping someone with yard work or delivering meals. I think it’s just important to give back to the community.”
Beacon Community Services (BCS) used to receive funding from United Way and distribute it to non-profits to facilitate More Than Meals in other parts of Greater Victoria. Since its funding was pulled, Beacon has continued to fund its portion of the program out of pocket, so it can continue serving seniors in the Peninsula area.
“We obviously knew that a lot of people needed that service,” said Shaun Cerisano, BCS director of development. “But financially, it was tough for us.”
When Beacon began searching for new partners, they found Heart to Home Meals, who agreed to become the food supplier in a new pilot project and partnership. Previously, Beacon prepared and distributed its meals at the Shoal Centre, but with Downton's help, Beacon hopes to ease its financial burden and preserve the program's sustainability.
Cerisano called the partnership a “win-win opportunity,” with Beacon now able to acquire meals at a lower cost while Downton can expand the services of his business.
The new partnership marks the beginning of a three-month pilot project. The pre-cooked meals, offered on a sliding scale, only need to be heated and enjoyed.
The new project will only serve Beacon’s 105 Peninsula-area clients with three meals a week. But, there are hopes they may be able to expand and work with other organizations who previously offered More than Meals or simliar programs.
“I hope to work with Scott to enable him to work with other organizations,” said Cerisano. “If it is successful ... if we get more interest, we could look at growing the program.”
Ted Ross, a Victoria resident previously received More Than Meals through James Bay New Horizons until funding was cut last December. Now, he's cooking for himself.
“It's been a real nuisance since it ended. I looked at other options, but they’re expensive compared to what we were paying,” said Ross, who would love to get the program back.
“It would make my life easier—a lot more pleasant. There was such a variety of foods on the program, and I don’t get that stuff myself, just chicken thighs and pork chops.”
But before Downton considers expansion, he needs to ensure everything is working.
“I would like to think, number one, the customers are happy with the meals, and number two, we feel like we’re helping out in the community and not just trying to sell our meals to people.”
As the pilot program begins, Beacon will continue to look for more funding to ensure its longevity.
“In the end, what we really need is an alternative way to continue More Than Meals after these three months are up,” said Mabel Marin, BCS manager of communications.
“If the community or an organization in the community is able to offer help, we would love to find ways to collaborate.”
On the Peninsula, there is certainly a need for such a service, with 35 per cent of the population being seniors. Of those, 12 per cent live in care and 26 per cent are low-income. Meanwhile, Beacon is preparing for significant growth in the 75+ age category in the next 20 years and an increasing need.
Cerisano is optimistic that with the help of Heart to Home Meals, Beacon will have more luck finding new funding and continuing a program that saves lives—not just through nourishment but through connection.
“One of our clients slipped and fell. She was in the middle of her living room floor for a couple of days and couldn’t get help until one of our drivers showed up to deliver her meals,” said Cerisano.
“He knew that she was there and found her, called 911, and saved her life.”
Heart to Home Meals will begin its partnership with Beacon Community Services with its first meal delivery to the Shoal Centre on April 1.
