When Meals to Go first launched in 2011, no one imagined how it would blossom into a cornerstone of community support for Meals on Wheels. Designed as a fundraiser, the initiative mirrored the heart of the Meals on Wheels program by delivering pre-ordered lunches to workplaces across Peterborough. Volunteers carefully packed and delivered the meals, offering businesses a taste of the vital services provided to seniors and adults with physical challenges daily.
The inaugural goal was modest—200 meals—but the community's response was anything but. Over 450 meals were ordered, and the program raised awareness and funds that bolstered Meals on Wheels. It was a promising beginning, but Meals to Go did not stop there.
By 2017, the initiative aligned with March for Meals, a North American campaign celebrating meal delivery services. The program expanded to include the opportunity for supporters to donate meals alongside their own orders. In 2019, these donations subsidized hundreds of meals for clients, underscoring the generosity of the Peterborough community.
Then came 2020. Plans for an ambitious weekly March delivery schedule were disrupted by the pandemic. Even so, the team adapted, delivering over 400 meals and raising critical funds in just two weeks. This resilience reflected the unwavering commitment of the volunteers, staff, and supporters who keep Meals on Wheels running, even in uncertain times.
Post-pandemic, Meals to Go returned with renewed vigor. The 2022 program brought together Peterborough and Lakefield, delivering an astounding 600 meals and funding 400 more for clients. This year, in celebration of the 60th anniversary of Meals on Wheels, the program reached new heights. Not only did all 600 available meals sell out, but the community also rallied to donate 300 additional meals, bringing the campaign halfway to its ambitious goal of 600 donated meals.
Meals to Go is more than a fundraiser—it is a reflection of the compassion and connection that defines Peterborough. Every lunch delivered, every meal donated, and every volunteer hour contributes to a legacy of care that has supported Meals on Wheels for 60 years.
Join us in celebrating 60 years of Meals on Wheels by helping us reach our goal of 600 donated meals! For just $10, you can provide a nutritious meal to a senior or adult with physical challenges, ensuring they feel cared for and connected to our community. We are halfway there, and your support can make all the difference.
Donate today at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/46590. Together, we can make this milestone anniversary unforgettable
Darci Maude, previous employee of Community Care Peterborough, organizing Meals to Go orders in December 2011.
