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Meals and food help

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Meals on Wheels and other meal delivery programs for seniors are run by local community agencies, usually for a fee. Food banks and community meal programs can help if money is tight. You may also get help from a federal grocery benefit, a provincial diet allowance, or a home support program. Call 2-1-1 to find what is near you.

Key facts

Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, July 2026 to June 2027
Up to $679 a year (single) or $890 a year (married or common-law)
Ontario ODSP Special Diet Allowance
Up to $250 a month per person
Find local meal programs
Dial 2-1-1

How does Meals on Wheels work in Canada?

There is no single national Meals on Wheels program. Hot or frozen meals are delivered by local non-profit agencies, community support services and volunteers. Each one sets its own menu, delivery days and price. Many offer special diets, such as diabetic or low-salt meals.

Most programs charge a fee per meal. Some lower the fee for people with low income. Ask about cost, delivery days and whether a volunteer will check on you when they drop off the meal.

Some communities also have congregate (group) meal programs. These are low-cost hot meals served at a seniors' centre or church hall. They are a good way to eat well and meet people.

Meal programs by province

Provinces fund or organize meal help in different ways. Here is what official sources say. If your province is not listed, dial 2-1-1 and ask for meal delivery or community meals near you.

Food banks and free meals for seniors

Food banks are open to people of any age. Many have days or hampers set aside for seniors, and some deliver to people who cannot get out. Community kitchens, churches and seniors' centres may also serve free or low-cost meals.

  1. Dial 2-1-1 and ask for food banks, free meals or grocery delivery near your postal code.
  2. Ask each program what to bring. Some ask for ID or proof of address.
  3. If you cannot carry groceries home, ask if they deliver or if a volunteer can help.
  4. If you need a special diet, tell the food bank. They may be able to set food aside for you.

Federal money that helps with grocery costs

The GST/HST credit has been renamed the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit. It is a tax-free payment for people with low and modest incomes. For July 2026 to June 2027, you could get up to $679 if you are single, or up to $890 if you are married or living common-law. The amount goes down as income goes up.

You do not apply separately. The Canada Revenue Agency works out your payment from your tax return, so you must file a return every year, even if you had little or no income. See our GST/HST credit guide for payment dates.

If you have a low income and get Old Age Security, check that you also get the Guaranteed Income Supplement. It is a monthly payment that many eligible seniors miss.

Special diet allowances on income assistance

If you receive provincial income or disability assistance and have a medical condition that needs a special diet, you may be able to get extra money each month.

Ask your caseworker whether your province has a diet allowance. Rules and amounts differ by province.

What if you cannot afford meals or a program says no?

If a meal delivery fee is too high, ask whether the agency has a reduced rate. If there is a waiting list, ask to be added and ask 211 about food banks and community meals in the meantime. If you are refused a diet allowance, ask your caseworker for the reason in writing and how to ask for a review.

If you are skipping meals because of money, you may be missing benefits. A free tax clinic or a seniors' centre can help you check.

Things people often miss

Who to contact

Common questions

How do I get Meals on Wheels for my mother?

Dial 2-1-1 or search your province's 211 website for meal delivery in her area. Call the agency to ask about cost, menu and delivery days. You can arrange it for her if she agrees.

How much does Meals on Wheels cost?

Each local agency sets its own price. Most charge a fee per meal, and some offer a lower rate for people with low income.

Are there free meals for seniors?

Food banks, community kitchens and some seniors' centres offer free or low-cost meals and food. Dial 2-1-1 to find them near you.

Can seniors use food banks?

Yes. Food banks serve people of all ages. Some have special hours or delivery for seniors.

Is there a government grocery benefit for seniors?

The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, formerly the GST/HST credit, is paid to people with low and modest incomes. For July 2026 to June 2027 it is up to $679 for a single person. You get it by filing your tax return.

What is the special diet allowance in Ontario?

People on ODSP with an approved medical condition can get up to $250 a month per person. A doctor, nurse practitioner, registered dietitian or registered midwife must complete form 3111.

Does home care include meals?

In Ontario, community support services include meal delivery, usually for a fee. Ask your home care coordinator what is available where you live.

Sources

  1. Community Support Services (Government of Ontario)
  2. Home care for seniors (Government of Ontario)
  3. Community Care (Ontario Health atHome)
  4. 6.4 Special diet allowance (ODSP policy directives) (Government of Ontario)
  5. Better at Home (Government of British Columbia)
  6. Diet Supplements (BCEA policy and procedure manual) (Government of British Columbia)
  7. Congregate Meal Programs (Winnipeg Regional Health Authority)
  8. How much you can get: Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (Canada Revenue Agency)
  9. Canadians to begin receiving enhanced Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (Department of Finance Canada)
  10. 211 Canada (United Way Centraide Canada)

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