Care BC Meals on Wheels

Care BC (Health and Home Care Society of BC) is a deeply trusted non-profit charitable organization in the Metro Vancouver area. The Meals on Wheels program is dedicated to helping seniors and homebound individuals live independently and confidently in their own homes by delivering well-balanced meals and regular human contact. Along with a nourishing meal, volunteers provide a friendly visit and an informal safety check, alerting authorities if there is any concern for a client’s well-being to prevent vulnerable individuals from being left without support in an emergency.

  • Services Include:
    • Providing high-quality Western Meals and Chinese Meals, including hot meals (with soup), frozen entrees, and sandwich packs.
    • Direct home delivery by caring volunteers on weekdays, Monday through Friday, between 10:30 am and 1:00 pm.
    • Conducting informal wellness checks during delivery to ensure the immediate safety and connection of isolated individuals.
  • Target Audience: Residents living in Vancouver, Richmond, and the North Shore who are homebound and unable to prepare their own meals due to aging, chronic or acute medical conditions, recovery from surgery/illness, or physical disabilities.
  • Cost: A low-cost, private-pay or partially subsidized community service. Current 2026 pricing: Western/North Shore Hot Meals at $10.95; Chinese Hot Meals at $11.25; Frozen Meals at $8.75; Sandwich Packs at $7.25 (A minimum initial order of 5 meals is required upon starting the program).
  • How to Apply:
    • Online Application: Visit the official Care BC website to fill out and submit the Meal Service Application Form.
    • Phone Application: Call the service coordinators directly. For Western Meals: 604-732-7638; For Chinese Meals (service available in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin): 604-733-6615.
    • Note: Self-referrals are welcome, as well as referrals from family, friends, or health care professionals.
  • Official Website: https://www.carebc.ca/meals-on-wheels.html

FAQ

Is the Meals on Wheels service available on weekends and statutory holidays?

No, it is not. Our volunteer drivers only deliver meals from Monday to Friday. If you require meal support over the weekend or on statutory holidays (such as Canada Day), you can order our Frozen Meals in advance. These will be delivered during the week so you can easily reheat them at your convenience.

What should I do if I need to cancel or change my meal delivery for a specific day?

If you need to cancel, change, or add an order (e.g., due to a doctor’s appointment), you must notify our office by 11:00 am on the business day prior to your scheduled delivery. Because our volunteers conduct wellness checks, an unexpected absence without prior notice may trigger our emergency contact protocols for your safety.

Do I need a doctor’s referral to apply for this meal delivery service?

No, a medical referral is not required. We gladly welcome self-referrals. Seniors themselves, family members, friends, community advocates, family physicians, or hospital case managers can all initiate the application process either by phone or via our website form.