COVID-19 Food and Support

Muskoka Cares

Below you will find local food and community support programs in Muskoka to support you and your families during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you know someone who could use some help connecting to supports and resources related to COVID-19, please share this web page with them.

In partnership with Muskoka's area municipalities, we will update this page regularly. Should you have any updates or changes to bring to our attention, please let us know by email.

Looking for Financial Support? Visit COVID-19 Financial Support

Looking for Municipal Impacts? Visit COVID-19 Municipal Impacts

Mental Health, Addictions and Community Supports

The providers and services contained below are intended for information purposes only.

211

211 is a helpline and online database of Ontario's community and social services. 211 is answered and updated by highly-trained specialists. Visit their website at: https://211ontario.ca/

For information and referrals for community, government, social and health services, including mental health resources across Ontario, call 211 or 1-877-330-3213.

BounceBack

A free, evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) program that offers guided mental health self-help supports for adults and youth 15+ using workbooks, online videos and phone coaching.

Call 1-866-345-0224.

Canadian Mental Health Association

Phone and online services for people in need of mental health and addictions support.

Crisis support continues to be available by phone.

People in crisis are encouraged to continue to call for support. Individual and group supports are available. Referrals can still be made and intakes will still happen.

In Muskoka, please call 705-645-2262

In East Parry Sound, please call 705-384-5392

If you are in crisis, please call 1-888-893-8333

Visit their website at: CMHA Website

ConnexOntario

Adults and frontline workers who are dealing with the realities of COVID-19 can call ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 for mental health, addictions and problem gambling support.

Canadian Red Cross

Vital assistance and important programs and services, including transportation, telephone assurance program, meals on wheels, etc. Phone: 705-721-3313. Visit their website at:

https://redcross.ca/in-your-community/ontario/ontario-find-a-branch/simcoe-muskoka-branch

MiND-AID

Provides navigation assistance and support for young persons (29 and under) and their guardians who are looking for help on their journey to mental wellness. Call 844-MINDAID (646-3243) or email info@mymindaid.com

Family Connexions and Kids Help Phone

Family Connexions is committed to working collaboratively to build a safe and strong community where children, youth and families thrive. Services include child protection, family support, family creation through adoption, kinship, customary care and foster care, and in our Muskoka branches, we offer children’s mental health services. As a community, we share a responsibility to ensure that our children are in supportive environments. If you have a concern about a child we encourage you to call so we can help them and their family. Questions? Concerns? Call 24/7: 1-800-461-4236

Visit their website at: Family Connexions

Kids Help Phone: Need help now?

You can reach a Kids Help Phone counsellor 24/7 at 1-800-668-6868.

Visit their website at: Kids Help Phone

Front Line Workers - Ontario Based Mental Health Support

The Canadian Psychological Association provides a contact list of licensed therapists who have volunteered to provide pro bono support during COVID-19.

CAMH provides a resource page for healthcare workers who have been impacted by COVID-19 as well as a self-referral form.

The Ontario Hospital Association has a list of free resources for frontline healthcare workers.

Homeless? Need Help?

Call the District of Muskoka at 705-645-2412 to speak with a case manager about finding accommodations.

If you need financial assistance please visit www.muskoka.on.ca/covid19help to learn more.

To apply for emergency assistance (one-time funding), please contact us at emergencyshelter@muskoka.on.ca or 705-645-2412 ext. 4363, Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm, excluding holidays.

Hope for Wellness Helpline

Indigenous peoples can call 1-855-242-3310 for immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention across Canada (available in some Indigenous languages). Live web chat is also available. Visit their live web chat page at: Live web chat

Lake Country Community Legal Clinic

Phone: 705-645-6607 or toll free 1-800-263-4815

LCCLC provides free summary legal advice and brief services in our Areas of Legal Practice. There are no financial eligibility guidelines for LCCLC summary advice and brief services. If we cannot provide advice, we will do our best to provide information and referrals to other services. Website: https://www.lcclc.ca/index.html

Mind Beacon - Free Mental Health Supports for Ontario Residents

It's time for you.

Get the mental health support you need, on your terms.

Mind Beacon offers free mental health support for Ontario residents dealing with stress, anxiety, depression and more, thanks to funding from the Government of Ontario.

Learn more at: https://www.mindbeacon.com/

Muskoka Victim Services

Muskoka Victim Services provides emotional and practical support to victims of crime and tragic circumstance. Phone: 1-844-762-9945 Email: mvs@muskokavs.ca Website: http://muskokavs.ca/

Muskoka Parry Sound Sexual Assault Services (MPSSAS)

Staff are scheduling individual counselling appointments online or by phone.
All of our Group Programming and Drop In Programming are also running Virtually.
MPSSAS can presently assist folks who need access to both, through a limited number of loaner laptops..
Community based public education sessions offered via MPSSAS zoom program to Community Groups, Schools, etc. upon request.
MPSSAS can assist with reports of past or recent sexual abuse violence to the Police in a trauma informed manner should that be the choice of the survivor.
The Survivor to Survivor mentorship program is continuing through phone and online contacts.
Services can be accessed by calling 705-646-2122 and follow the prompts to speak to any of our staff or leave a general message.
OR All email addresses to our staff are available at www.mpssas.com
*NEW* Online Chat Program available at www.mpssas.com.
Helpline is available 24/7 at: 1-800-461-2929

Online Self Help Support for Addictions

In The Rooms:

In The Rooms is a free online recovery tool that offers 130 weekly online meetings for those recovering from addiction and related issues. We embrace multiple pathways to recovery, including all 12 Step, Non-12 Step, Wellness and Mental Health modalities.

Visit their websites at:

www.intherooms.com/home/

www.aa-alive.net/

RAAM Muskoka (Rapid Access Addiction Medicine)

Supports are now offered virtually due to COVID-19.

Call 705-645-2262. (Joint effort of the CMHA Muskoka and the North Muskoka Nurse Practitioner Led Clinic).

Visit their website at: https://mps.cmha.ca/news/drugs-that-stop-alcoholics-from-drinking/

School Boards

Visit the School Boards websites at the following links:

Seniors Wellness Outreach

Outreach programming is available to assist seniors and their families access supports and services in the Muskoka community. Contact the District of Muskoka's Seniors Programs Team at 705-645-2412 ext. 4199 or toll free: 1-800-461-4215 ext. 4199.

Talk 4 Healing

Indigenous women can get help, support and resources seven days a week, 24 hours a day, with services in 14 languages by calling or texting 1-855-554-4325. Live web chat is also available.

Visit the Talk 4 Healing website at: Live web chat

Simcoe Muskoka Catholic Family Services

Individual, couple and family counseling (12 years old and up). Telephone and video conferencing available. Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 705-726-2503

Group and webinar based counseling / support for a variety of wellness/ mental health topics and strategies (radical acceptance, self care, mindfulness, social media and mental health, the power of emotion, women’s self discovery).

Visit their website at: https://cfssc.ca/

Food Support and Delivery Programs Available in Muskoka

Programs Serving All of Muskoka: updated 05/05/2023

Ontario Community Support Program(OSCA)

OCSA is working with Meals on Wheels organizations and other partners across the province to deliver services to vulnerable seniors without family or community support. OCSA helps isolated, low-income seniors and people with disabilities and chronic medical conditions across Ontario get meals, groceries, medicine, and other essentials to stay safe at home during COVID-
19. Access delivery services in your area by visiting www.ontariocommunitysupport.ca

Those without internet access, or who require service in a language other than English or French, can contact 211 at any time by dialing 211, 1-877-330-3213 (toll free) or 1-888-340- 1001 for TTY service.

Programs Serving the Town of Bracebridge

Emergency Food Boxes - a ministry of Knox Presbyterian Church Boxes filled with food and household staples are available for anyone in need at Knox Church, 120 Taylor Rd., Bracebridge. Just contact the church to arrange for pick-up. Call 705-645-4521 or e-mail knoxbb@muskoka.com
Manna Food Bank – 45-345 Ecclestone Drive. Open Tuesdays from 1 to 6:00 pm as a pilot project and Friday 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Bringing orders outside for pick up. Pre-order by 4pm “the day before pick-up” – online at https://mannafoodbank.ca/online-grocery-form/ or by leaving a message at: (705) 646-0114 usable every 3 weeks
Salvation Army - 456 Manitoba Street, Bracebridge Open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 1:00 - 4:30 pm. Food bank remains open, however there is no waiting room area so clients need to call and book appointments so that clients can be seen one at a time. Call: 705-645-2602 Ext. #1 if someone is unable to call us to book an appointment, they will be accommodated at the door using safe physical distancing measures Christmas Assistance We take applications from various individuals and families who are in need of assistance during the Christmas season. In response to their need we supply successful applicants with a food hamper and a turkey. Applicants who have children also receive a toy hamper for each child up to the age of 17 years of age.
Bracebridge Out of the Cold - ‘in-person meals’ start THIS TUESDAY - November 15th - at Bracebridge United Church. Doors open @ 5pm, meal at 5:30pm. If you need a ride, we have a volunteer-driven bus that picks up at the following locations and times. Cedar Lane Motel - 4:35-McVittie Place - 4:40-Alice St Apartments - 4:45-Aubrey St.- 4:50-Oakwood Heights - 4:52-Cambrian Court - 4:57-Wellington St Housing - 5:00-To reserve your spot at the dinner - or to book a seat on the bus - call (705) 645-5713.
Frozen Meals on Wheels (Simcoe/Muskoka Red Cross) – Registration required. Choice of a variety of entrees, soups and desserts that can be cooked in the microwave or oven. Our menu is suitable for special dietary needs including diabetic/renal and low sodium options. Please call 705-721-3313 ext. 5267 for an information package and to place an order.
Hot Meals on Wheels (Red Cross) - Delivered Monday through Friday, between 11:30 am to 1:30 pm from Muskoka Algonquin Health Centre. The meals are prepared fresh daily which ensures a quality meal. $7.50 per meal. To place an order or for more information, call 705-721-3313 x 5254

Programs Serving the Town of Gravenhurst

Salvation Army - 620 Muskoka Rd N, Gravenhurst - Open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 1:00 - 4:30 pm. Food bank remains open, however there is no waiting room area so clients need to call and book appointments so that they can see one client at a time. Phone: 705-687-2131. if someone is unable to call us to book an appointment, they will be accommodated at the door using safe physical distancing measures Christmas Assistance We take applications from various individuals and families who are in need of assistance during the Christmas season. In response to their need we supply successful applicants with a food hamper and a turkey. Applicants who have children also receive a toy hamper for each child up to the age of 17 years of age.
GAP (Gravenhurst Against Poverty) Weekly Meal Pick-Up Program • NEW TIME: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Runs every TUESDAY at the Trinity United Church. ALL ARE WELCOME! Please be mindful of the Covid-19 safety protocols that are in place. Masks are required to enter the Trinity United Church, as is self-screening and using our sign-in sheet. We also ask that you please respect safe, social distancing.
Weekly Food Delivery Program Runs every Thursday. ALL ARE WELCOME! To sign-up for the Weekly Food Delivery program, please call 705-646-3733 or send an e-mail to dinner.reg.gap@gmail.com. The cut-off to be added to a given food delivery is the Friday of the week prior.
Frozen Meals on Wheels (Simcoe/Muskoka Red Cross) – Registration required. Choice of a variety of entrees, soups and desserts that can be cooked in the microwave or oven. Our menu is suitable for special dietary needs including diabetic/renal and low sodium options. Please call 705-721-3313 ext. 5267 for an information package and to place an order.
Hot Meals on Wheels (Red Cross) - Delivered Monday, Wednesday and Friday, across the lunch hour time between 11:30am to 1:30pm from the Muskoka Algonquin Health Centre. The meals are prepared fresh daily which ensures a quality meal. Cost is $7.50 per meal. To place an order or for more information, call 705-721-3313 x 5254

Programs Serving the Town of Huntsville

The Salvation Army Huntsville Food Bank: 4 Mary St. E: We are operating by appointment only basis. Please call 705-789-3398 to make an appointment (appointments are for Monday & Wednesdays 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, & Fridays 10:00 am to Noon). Please show up on time and ring the doorbell at the right side of the entrance to alert staff and then step back to the Line. Food hampers will be delivered to the door of the church to eliminate contact. Christmas Assistance We take applications from various individuals and families who are in need of assistance during the Christmas season. In response to their need we supply successful applicants with a food hamper and a turkey. Applicants who have children also receive a toy hamper for each child up to the age of 17 years of age.

The Table ‘Food Bank’-Tuesday and Friday 12pm to 3pm, and Saturday 10am to 1pm. Please bring ID and Health Cards for family members.

The Table Take- out meals’ The Table Take - out meals between 3:30pm and 4:30pm Mondays and Thursdays at the Community Kitchen at 11 Hanes St. Email: foodbank@thetablefoundation.ca or Phone: 705-783-5827
Huntsville & Area Strong-Together We Stand Community COVID 19 Facebook Help Group
Huntsville and Friends Help Out Facebook Page
St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank-Call to book an Appointment before Wednesday (705) 789-0008 for dry food, meat, cheese, margarine with the possibility for a milk & vegetable voucher.
St. Vincent de Paul-For a LunchMeal- Starting October 11,2022 come to St. Mary’s Hall for an in-person lunch. Christmas Assistance: Open, call as soon as possible - call helpline for more information. Christmas Hamper Delivery: Dec 21, 2021

• MUSKOKA SENIORS HOT & FROZEN MEALS ON WHEELS
• Daily HOT MEALS: are prepared fresh and delivered Monday-Friday. They are well-balanced, flavorful meals that are convenient and can accommodate various dietary needs. These meals include a soup/salad, entrée and dessert and can be delivered to anyone living within 10km of Huntsville Hospital. $6 per meal
• FROZEN MEALS: Meal preparation made easy. Our frozen meals are prepared by Apetito-HFS offering a wide variety of menu options. These meals can be delivered or picked up at our office. Entrée-$6.25, Soup/Desert-$1.60
1. Fill out the printed online form and submit or u may drop it off at our Centre Street N. location, you may fax the form to 705.789.0969, or scan and email to mealsonwheels@muskokaseniors.org. Alternatively, you can call your order into our office. 705.789.6676

Programs Serving the Township of Lake of Bays

Baysville and Dorset Winter Pantry - St. Ambrose Anglican Church, 2671 Muskoka District Road 117, Baysville, ON. From October to May 31, 2023 anyone with emergency food needs can call 705-644-9545 Rev. Margaret Morrison for appointment. Bi-weekly Wed 1pm-6pm

Dwight Winter Pantry - Dwight Community Centre - 1014 Dwight Beach Road (behind Township office beside Library). Phone: 705- 635-9860 or email: dwightwinterpantry@gmail.com by appointment only.

Programs Serving the Township of Georgian Bay

Port Severn Food Bank - Call Lisa at 705-706-5498 or Helena 705-641-1756 to coordinate a food box pickup bi-weekly on Wednesdays New information coming soon.
MacTier Food Bank - Back of the Medical Center on Hag Street Thursday night from 5pm – till 7pm. You may call Donna at 705-774-1756 for a specified time,Pre-bagged nonperishables, coupon for bread, eggs, milk. (New permanent home coming soon compliments of the Lion’s Club)

Programs Serving the Township of Muskoka Lakes

West Muskoka Food Bank – 2-3951 Hwy 169, Port Carling, Thursday 12pm- 5pm and Friday 9am–11am Contact Kristen at 705-646-3997 before Thursday. Please bring your own bags. Order in advance sorry no walk-ins.
Meals on Wheels: Serving Bala, Torrance, Walkers Point, Glen Orchard and Port Carling $6.50 per meal delivery on Tuesday and Friday. Contact: balamus@muskoka.com Phone: 705-762-5876
Salvation Army - 456 Manitoba Street, Bracebridge Open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 1:00 - 4:30 pm, also serving Muskoka Lakes. Food bank remains open, however there is no waiting room area so clients need to call and book appointments so that clients can be seen one at a time. Phone: 705-645-2602 Ext. #1. if someone is unable to call us to book an appointment, they will be accommodated at the door using safe physical distancing measures
Port Carling Lions Club - Offering grocery and prescription deliveries in the Port Carling area. Contact Port Carling Lions Club via email: portcarlinglions@gmail.com
Rosseau Lake General Store on Facebook. If anyone needs food they will provide it no questions asked and with total confidentiality. They are willing to give to people in need and may be able to assist with drop off. Facebook page: www.facebook.com/rosseaugeneralstore

Ontario Community Support Association – Finding Support During COVID-19

Helping isolated, low-income seniors and people with disabilities and chronic medical conditions across Ontario get meals, groceries, medicine and other essentials to stay safe at home during COVID-19. For more information: https://www.ontariocommunitysupport.ca/