Esther is in her late 80s and, by all accounts, doing just fine.
She still lives in the apartment she and her husband shared for decades. The shelves are lined with photo albums. The good china is in the cabinet.
Her husband passed away years ago, but Esther has built a life that is steady and full. She has two close girlfriends in her building: they check in on one another, go to the local park, and watch their favourite game shows together. She walks to the local library when the weather allows and never misses her building’s monthly trivia night.
These routines and relationships make her feel young because they keep her socially engaged, cognitively sharp, and physically active.
Her daughter lives across the country. They speak several times a week, but visits are limited to a few times a year. Esther values her independence deeply. Her home, her friendships, and her community anchor her.
But over the past year, she has noticed a subtle change.
Trips to the grocery store felt longer and more tiring. Carrying bags became more difficult and preparing meals — chopping vegetables, lifting pots, standing at the stove — required more energy than she often had.
So, she began simplifying. Toast instead of salad. Soup instead of a full meal. Skipping ingredients or steps. This meant her nutrition suffered, and the prospect of moving to a long-term care home began to occur to her.
Still, she didn’t want to leave her home or give up the routines that keep her feeling vibrant and capable.
That’s when she learned about the volunteer-driven Meals on Wheels program at Circle of Care.
For more than 50 years, our specially trained volunteers have delivered nutritious meals to seniors across the Greater Toronto Area. Each week, approximately 140 volunteers help ensure that 1,200 older adults have access to nutritious meals along with a friendly check-in at the door.
Now, once a week, Esther receives ready-made meals tailored to her dietary needs. The variety ensures she’s getting proper nutrition without the physical strain of shopping and cooking. It allows her to conserve her energy for the activities she loves.
And there is also a lovely moment of connection.
Ilya, one of the program’s volunteers, has been dropping off her meals and staying for a brief chat for the last two and a half years. It’s a simple conversation – a bit about the latest book Ester has been reading or a bit about Ilya’s son. These small interactions add warmth to the week and provide quiet reassurance.
Meals on Wheels has helped Esther continue living exactly where she wants to be – at home, surrounded by memories, supported by friends, and rooted in her community.
Through Circle of Care, she’s been connected to other programs too.
She now participates in free at-home exercise classes, including chair yoga, which help her maintain strength and balance. She joins virtual social groups and brain teaser sessions, adding even more connection to her week. And she enjoys in-person activities through our Let’s Get Together program.
Food insecurity among seniors in the GTA is growing.
Rising food costs and increasing health challenges are making it harder for many seniors to access the nutritious food they need. For those living alone, the risk is even greater.
At the same time, both Ontario’s senior population and demand for Meals on Wheels is rising sharply. Circle of Care is now receiving an average of 80 new referrals every month — a 70% increase compared to last year. Meanwhile, the costs of food and fuel continue to climb.
March for Meals is an annual campaign that raises awareness and strengthens community engagement with Meals on Wheels programs across Canada. Circle of Care is seeking donations through the month of March to support our community care programs including Meals on Wheels.
Support from donors ensures that seniors like Esther can remain in their homes rather than facing declining health or losing the routines that keep them socially, mentally, and physically engaged.
This March, you can help ensure that a volunteer’s knock on the door continues to mean a nutritious meal and a moment of human connection.
