Finding affordable, nutritious food can be challenging—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Who-Cares.care connects older adults, caregivers, and families with trusted, local programs that support healthy, independent living. The resources below highlight just some of the community-based food supports available across Hastings and Prince Edward Counties.

According to the local public health report The Real Cost of Eating Well, nearly one in four households in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties experiences food insecurity.

For older adults and caregivers, access to nutritious food is critical to aging in place successfully. Healthy eating can help prevent or manage conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and some cancers.

Fortunately, there are many community programs offering low-cost or free meals to help stretch your food budget.

Community meal programs

• Bridge Street United Church
  Offers free frozen meals on Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  60 Bridge St. East, Belleville
• Eastminster United Church – Open Door Café
  Serves lunch every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  No cost and no pre-registration required. A welcoming space to enjoy a meal and connect with others.
  432 Bridge St. East, Belleville
• The HOPE Centre
  Offers community meals by donation every second Monday at 5:30 p.m.
  46 King St. Picton
• North Hastings Community Cupboard
  Offers a food bank and a daily community cafe.
  2 Madawaska Street Bancroft

Meal delivery support

• Meals on Wheels
  Provides affordable, nutritious meals—both hot and frozen—delivered to the homes of older adults, individuals with disabilities, or those recovering from illness. In addition to meal delivery, volunteers offer friendly check-ins that support wellbeing and reduce isolation.
  Services are available in:
  • Belleville
  • Deseronto
  • Centre Hastings
  • Frankford
  • Prince Edward County
  • Quinte West

Affordable food programs

• Good Food Box Program
  Provides fresh fruits and vegetables at a fraction of retail cost. Available monthly across Hastings and Prince Edward Counties, helping improve access to healthy food.
• Community Gardens
  Located in Belleville, Frankford, and Foxboro, these shared spaces allow participants to grow their own fruits and vegetables while connecting with others.
• North Hastings Community Gardens are available year round.
• PEC Fresh Good Food Market
  Pop-up markets offering affordable fresh food in Picton, Consecon, and Demorestville.
• The Central Hastings Support Network (CHSN) is a registered, non-profit corporation that delivers programs for the benefit of the Central Hastings community including the Madoc Food bank.
  

211 Ontario lists many resources including food services for seniors and people with disabilities.

Accessing healthy food is an important part of staying well and living independently. Who-Cares.care makes it easier to find trusted local programs, services, and supports like these—helping you or someone you care for stay healthy, connected, and supported at home.