FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Please reach us at info@mealsonwheelspc.ca if you cannot find an answer to your question.
What is the service area for Meals on Wheels Port Colborne?
We deliver hot and frozen meals to your door in Port Colborne and Wainfleet.
Who is eligible to receive Meals on Wheels?
Anyone who is better able to maintain independence and well-being in their own homes by receiving nutritional support. Examples include adults who are:
- 65 years or older (even if you just don’t feel like cooking)
- anyone convalescing from a recent illness or surgery
- anyone living with a chronic condition or disability
- a caregiver in need of support
Is there a charge for the meals?
There is a cost for the service, but being a non-profit service we do our best to keep costs reasonable.
- Hot meals are $9.00 (Soup, Entrée and Dessert)
- Frozen meals are $7.50 for an entrée, $3.25 for soup, and $2.75 for desserts.
Do I pay taxes on top of the cost of meals?
No, there is no tax on the meals. The prices you see quoted are what you pay.
Are the meals tax deductible?
Unfortunately in Ontario, our meals are not tax deductible.
How do I pay for my meals?
You are billed at the start of the month for any meals you have received during the month prior. Payments can be made by cheque, cash, e-transfer or by credit card on our website.
Invoices are typically delivered by the volunteers with the meals but can be mailed or e-mailed to family members or others who may be responsible for the bill payment upon request. Feel free to send your payment back to us with the volunteers as well.
If paying by cash, please be sure to include the top portion of the bill with your payment and have the delivery volunteer initial and date the bottom portion and keep it as your receipt.
Is there any funding available for those who are not able to afford meals?
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide meal subsidies.
Will I be obligated to receive meals on a long-term basis?
There is no obligation and you may cancel your meals at anytime with proper notice.
Can I order hot AND frozen meals?
Most certainly! The frozen meals will be delivered once per week, on top of your regular hot meal deliveries.
Do I have to commit to a frozen order every week?
No, you can pick and choose when you would like to order frozen meals. Frozen meals are ordered on a week-to-week basis. Be sure to submit your order by Wednesday for delivery the following Thursday.
Can I choose which meals I want to receive?
The hot meal program is a set menu that rotates every 4 weeks. While you cannot choose the meals, there is an alternate meal available each day so that we can accommodate for specials dietary needs. We also will do our best to provide alternatives if there are specific foods you dislike.
You are able to choose your own frozen meals from the menu order form here. You are also able to choose as many frozen meals as you want.
Where can I find the frozen menu?
What if I have a dietary restriction?
It is important to let us know if you have dietary restrictions or allergies. We are able to accommodate many needs such as diabetic, pureed, minced, low sodium, etc.
DELIVERY
Who prepares the meals?
Our meals are prepared by Niagara Ina Grafton Gage Village, a retirement home in St. Catharines.
Who delivers the meals?
We have dedicated, friendly volunteers from the community that deliver the meals.
Agency policy requires all volunteers to have references. We also may require a police check, and all are required to be vaccinated for COVID-19.
Volunteers are always welcome and appreciated.
When will meals be delivered?
Hot meals are delivered over the noon hour, Monday through Friday.
Frozen meals are delivered once per week on Thursday mornings between 10am and noon.
What happens if I am not home when the meal is delivered?
As a safety check, if a client does not answer their door, we will try to contact them by phone, and if unsuccessful, we will reach out to their designated emergency contact in an effort to ensure the client is safe and well.
Meals are returned to the office, if not deliverable, and provided no emergency has occurred, the client will be billed for the missed delivery.
Do I have to have a hot meal delivered every day?
There is no minimum for hot meal delivery. You may have as few or as many days as you wish but you must have delivery on the same days each week.
Can hot meals be cancelled periodically if I am away, or have an appointment?
Yes, we can certainly cancel a delivery provided we are given 24 hours notice. If there is less than 24 hours notice the client will still be billed for the meal as it has already been ordered from our supplier.
Clients are encouraged to make arrangements with our office to have the meal delivered to a neighbour, or picked up if there is less than 24 hours notice of cancellation.
Are hot meals delivered on statutory holidays?
We do not deliver on New Years Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Civic Holiday, Labour Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Thanksgiving Day or Remembrance Day, Christmas Day, or Boxing Day. Recently, we have been fortunate enough to receive grants that allow us to provide a free frozen meal to our hot meal clients on these non-delivery holidays.
Can I change my delivery days?
Of course! Notice of any changes must be given to the office at least 24 hours prior to the change. More notice, however, would be greatly appreciated.