Penetanguishene, ON (September 1, 2026) — On Friday, August 28, MPP Jill Dunlop met with representatives from LOFT Community Services to hear more about the impact of the $80,200 Seed grant that they received late last year from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The grant has helped LOFT’s pilot program Project EMPOWER, a home-based food program for low-income seniors in Simcoe County who are living with complex health and social challenges. 

“Every senior deserves the opportunity to live independently with dignity, confidence and the support they need to thrive,” said Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North. “Through the province’s Ontario Trillium Foundation’s investment, LOFT Community Services’ innovative home-based cooking program will help vulnerable seniors improve their nutrition, build practical life skills, and remain connected to their community while living safely at home. This is an investment that strengthens our community by supporting healthier, more independent seniors.” 

Through the six-month pilot, LOFT has been helping seniors in Simcoe County improve their nutrition, build practical food skills, and maintain their independence and safety at home. The grant has also supported the development of tools to evaluate the pilot’s outcomes and allows personal support workers to integrate food literacy into weekly client visits.

“We are deeply grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for recognizing the importance of this work and investing in a program that supports the health, wellbeing, and independence of seniors,” said David Fry, CEO, LOFT Community Services. “Since launching the pilot in June, we have already seen meaningful outcomes for participants. Our goal is to engage 60 seniors, having already reached 34 seniors through the project. When the pilot concludes in October, we will evaluate the results and explore how Project EMPOWER can continue helping seniors build practical skills and live safely and well at home.”

LOFT is confident that, through Project EMPOWER, participants are gaining practical skills and confidence that support greater independence in meal planning and preparation, while also fostering social engagement and informed decision-making related to nutrition and healthy living. 

For more than 70 years, LOFT has provided community-based supports to people living with complex mental and physical health challenges, behavioural and substance use issues, dementia, poverty, and homelessness. Partnerships with funders such as the Ontario Trillium Foundation are essential to LOFT’s ability to deliver responsive programs for people who may otherwise be overlooked, fall through service gaps, or struggle to navigate a complex system of care. 

LOFT Community Services: 
LOFT Community Services is one of Ontario’s largest community service providers, supporting people living with complex mental and physical health challenges, addictions, behavioural issues, and dementia. For more than 70 years, LOFT has worked with individuals, hospitals, and community organizations to build customized supports that help people achieve health, hope, and dignity.  

Ontario Trillium Foundation: 
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. In 2025-26, OTF invested nearly $107M into 746 community projects. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

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