The Manitoba government is investing $5 million to improve the quality of food in personal care homes (PCHs), ensuring seniors have access to fresher, more nutritious meals that support their health, dignity and quality of life.
“Manitobans expect their loved ones to be treated with respect, and that includes the food they’re served every day,” said Premier Wab Kinew. “They built this province, and it’s our responsibility to take care of them with dignity and give them the quality of life they deserve.”
The $5-million investment will support food quality improvements at PCHs provincewide, with a focus on enhancing nutrition, expanding meal options and improving the dining experience for residents.
“Seniors in personal care homes deserve access to fresh, nutritious meals that support their health and overall quality of life,” said Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara. “Food is not just about nutrition, it’s also about comfort, culture and connection and improving food quality is an important part of delivering more person-centred care in our long-term care homes.”
Funding will flow through service delivery organizations, with further details on implementation to be developed in collaboration with operators, care teams and stakeholders once the budget passes.
“I see it every day, residents light up when they’re served a meal they recognize or something that reminds them of home,” said Laurie Cerqueti, CEO, Simkin Centre. “Food is one of the most meaningful parts of their day. When it’s fresh, nutritious and thoughtfully prepared, it supports not just their health, but their sense of comfort and dignity.”
“We are particularly pleased with the addition of $5 million toward providing fresher and healthier food for Manitoba seniors living in care homes,” said Gladys Hrabi, CEO, Manitoba Association of Residential and Community Care Homes (MARCHE). “It represents a vital way to support the operations of non-profit PCHs in our province and is something MARCHE has been strongly advocating for. We are pleased that government listened to us on this.”
The investment builds on Manitoba’s broader work to strengthen care for seniors. As part of Budget 2026, the Manitoba government is investing $71.8 million to build new PCHs provincewide. Construction is underway on a 95-bed PCH in Lac du Bonnet and work on the 59-bed expansion in Arborg will begin this summer. An 83-bed expansion at Park Manor Care Home in the Winnipeg neighborhood of Transcona is also in development, with construction expected to start this winter, along with a new personal care home in the Winnipeg neighbourhood of Bridgwater. Together, these projects will add 237 beds for seniors.
