The Ontario government spends just $8.33 a day for the province`s nursing home residents. That`s less than Ontario prisoners, who eat on $9.73 a day. In a Toronto Star article, the Ontario Association of Non Profit Homes and Services for Seniors says seniors are not getting enough nutritious meals, including vegetables, fruit meat and fish. Association spokesperson Cathy Gapp says the lives of many vulnerable elderly people would improve if the government committed to just a few pennies more per day in its raw food allowance for long term care. There are 629 provincial nursing homes and the government provides money for things like food, diapers and nursing. The Ministry of Health and Long term care sets the food amount. In 2014, the per-day amount was $7.80. Homes are also challenged to provide culturally diverse food that can make a big difference in the lives of residents, particularly those suffering from dementia.