Although businesses are beginning to reopen and our community is adjusting to public health recommendations, food insecurity continues to be a persistent problem throughout Cape Breton.
With increased levels of poverty and growing demand for the New Dawn Meals on Wheels program due to COVID-19, our services must remain affordable.
As a not-for-profit organization, volunteers are an integral part of providing our service at such a low cost. We have not increased the cost of our meals since 2011 thanks to our dedicated team of volunteers.
“Volunteers enable us to keep our administration costs low and offer our clients a hot, nutritious meal for $6.50,” says Kathleen Whelan, Coordinator, New Dawn Meals on Wheels. “Additionally, thanks to individual and group donations, we can offer a subsidy program to reduce some of the financial burdens many of our clients face each day”.
As our meal delivery program continues to grow, as does the need for new volunteers. In August 2020, we served 1,956 meals–two times the number served in February 2020.
“As an organization who works with seniors and those who are immune-compromised, we have seen first-hand the impact COVID-19 has had on these populations,” says Whelan.
“With our recent growth, we have already delivered 13,861 so far this year. With four-months remaining, this will be the first year we surpass 14,000 meals served.”
Beginning in September, we are expanding our delivery schedule to fill the need for affordable, nutritious meal delivery service in our community. Deliveries will run from Monday to Friday and start between 3:30-4:00 pm.
For 1-2 hours each week, you can make a difference in our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are interested in volunteering, please register at newdawnmealsonwheels.ca/volunteer/.
New Dawn Meals on Wheels was recently selected as a recipient of the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) of the Government of Canada, administered in collaboration with United Way Cape Breton. This funding will allow us to continue to support community members in the CBRM during the ongoing pandemic.