More healthy food options coming for Long-Term Care Homes residents in Mississauga, Brampton, and Ontario

The province has answered a Brampton man’s call for better menu options at Long-Term Care Homes in Mississauga, Brampton and across Ontario.

Murray Woodcock is a resident at Extendicare Brampton and president of the Residents’ Council at the Long Term Care Home (LTCH) who had been putting pressure on the province to expand options and bring more variety to the food served at homes.

On Friday the province announced it was doing exactly that with a $32 million investment to ensure residents are provided with more individualized food choices, more fresh produce and local foods in season, and additional menu flexibility.

The extra funds work out to a nearly 10 per cent increase to LTHC nutritional support funding and Woodcock said the added culinary options will help improve residents’ overall quality of life.

“Residents in Ontario’s long-term care homes get a significant amount of satisfaction and nutrition from access to healthy food options and diverse menu choices,” Woodcock said in a statement following the announcement.

Extendicare Brampton resident Murray Woodcock (centre) shakes hands with Paul Calandra, Minister of Long-Term Care (right) and Dr. Michael Guerriere in Brampton on May 19, 2025.

The investment will also allow homes in Ontario to put on special dining events like community BBQs, and culturally-themed meals that celebrate the diversity of residents.

“We believe long-term homes should be homes, not institutions, and a good meal is essential to good living,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Long-Term Care.

Dr. Michael Guerriere, President and CEO of Extendicare said resident advocates like Woodcock are “an inspiration” and are critical to making sure residents have the services and best possible quality of life.

Guerriere thanked the province for investments in Ontario’s LTHC sector including adding more beds, an increase to capital funding, and a pledge to increase direct care time provided to residents to four hours per day that will “help our seniors live fulfilled and vibrant lives in long-term care.”

The province says there are over 50,000 new upgraded long-term care beds in development across the province that will increase overall bed capacity, and address long-term care waitlists and “hallway health care” while giving seniors better care.

“Regardless of age, maintaining good health begins with healthy eating. By prioritizing this investment, we are taking proactive measures to prevent illnesses and minimize hospitalizations,” said Charmaine Williams, MPP for Brampton Centre and Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity.