Free Meals on Wheels pilot begins in Municipality of Pontiac
Sophie Demers
Published online September 24, 2025, at www.pontiacjournal.com.
MUNICIPALITY OF PONTIAC – On September 18, Des Collines Senior Services launched a Meals on Wheels pilot project with financial support from the provincial government’s Quebec Ami des Aînés initiative. Certain residents of Quyon, Luskville, Breckenridge, and select areas of Lacs-des-Loups and Masham were eligible to receive up to three prepared meals delivered weekly free of charge.
“For the pilot project, we’re doing three months of meals until December,” said Jennifer Larose, Des Collines Senior Services vice-president. “In January, we will evaluate and hopefully expand our offering. For now, we’re gauging interest to see how many people would like to participate in the initiative.”
To qualify, residents had to be 65 or older, have health concerns or mobility issues, and live in their own home or apartment either by themselves or with a partner also experiencing health or mobility challenges. Lastly, the individual must have limited support to help prepare daily meals.
The service is a community-driven project to support independent living, reduce isolation and provide balanced meals to those in need. “We’ve been working on this project for two years and are hoping to continue it for years to come. We know there’s need in our area, and Des Collines Senior Services is working to fill the gaps in service,” said Larose. “There are many seniors who have mobility issues that make it difficult for them to stand in the kitchen cooking or lifting heavy dishes. They don’t want to leave their homes, but need a little support to live independently.”
The initial phase of the project had the capacity to serve up to 30 individuals or couples. Applicants were selected based on level of need.