Victoria, BC Meals On Wheels Shuts Down After 35 Years - Can't Pay For Gasoline - G&M

[hatrack]

Soaring gas prices have helped to kill Meals on Wheels in Victoria, and are threatening the program in other major Canadian cities.

Last week, Meals on Wheels in Victoria announced it would be shutting down after 35 years of service, citing gas prices as one of the main reasons. Yesterday, prices in Greater Victoria soared as high as $1.49.9 a litre, among the most expensive in the country.

"We would need an additional $2,000 a week to keep it going," said Terry Prentice, Chair of the Meals on Wheels Committee. Mr. Prentice said the committee spent $750,000 a year on the service, providing 275 meals a day. Finding an extra $100,000 a year wasn't feasible.

Food costs also figured into the equation. Mr. Prentice said the price of meals had been going up for years, and despite having a generous and understanding supplier, the numbers simply didn't add up and the service was brought to a halt.

EDIT

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080610.BCMEALS10/TPStory/National

[libodem]

1. Heartbreaking

I've heard some recent local stories, as well as national versions, of the same trouble. One story related the deaths of 2 elderly residents in that particular area. My mom was receiving, Meals on Wheels, up until last week when I had to admit her to Residential Care. I know it must have given her at least another year of quasi-independence.

[Zachstar]

2. We are slowly being bled. How much longer can the economy take such prices.

I knew this was going to be one of the midway aspects of collapse of the oil economy. Charity programs reliant on large amounts of transportation...

More 18 wheeler parkings coming up....