Finding another way to provide isolated seniors with nutritious food is the goal of a unique pilot project created by the Saanich Volunteer Services Society.
The project has been going for a few weeks and will continue for several more, thanks to $5,000 in Spark Funds supplied by the Victoria Foundation, said society executive director Mario Siciliano.
The Victoria Foundation said the aim of the funds is to “spark life to a range of projects” by bringing groups together to address issues of affordability in the community, including food security, housing and sustainable farming.
A total of $75,000 has been distributed to seven initiatives, with $20,000 of it coming from Coast Capital Savings.
Siciliano said his society’s approach to the food-delivery issue in this case differs from others by having a partnership with a for-profit company that has its own infrastructure and staff, easing the need for the society to add more volunteers and administration.
It is meant to work with the business sector for social good, he said.
“It’ll never replace our volunteer delivery — that’s why we exist — but it’s that other asset in the community, another tool in the really complex issue of food security.”
The society’s existing food service includes the provision of hampers, Siciliano said. The project involves working with Heart to Home Meals to serve about 200 over-65 Saanich residents who could use help in making sure their nutrition needs are met.
The seniors will receive six meals and desserts over two months, Siciliano said.
“One of the things we noticed with folks that are struggling a bit is the phenomenon called ‘tea and toast,’” he said. “Basically what it means is they’ve run out of food, they don’t have money and they end up eating tea and toast for dinner.”
The partnership with Heart to Home Meals sees not only food deliveries made to people, but the company service also includes a 15-minute social visit, as well, Siciliano said.
“That’s important, too,” he said. “It’s not just the food because most of these seniors are isolated, they’re alone, maybe have estranged families or family that’s far away.”
Their average age is about 75, with some into their 90s, and the service is free — thanks to the funding support.
“The meals are very affordable, they’re made for seniors in terms of portion sizes and their balance,” Siciliano said. “And it is something people may be able to do on their own after the program’s over because we’ve introduced it. A lot of the seniors wouldn’t have heard of it.”
The effort has also been a catalyst to reaching more people needing assistance through information coming from about a dozen housing groups and other agencies, he said.
He notes that there are also types of meal-delivery providers in operation.
“So this isn’t the answer to everything.”
Reviews have been good so far, Siciliano said.
“We’ve had some great feedback already from people who are really appreciating it.”
He said that not having to add to volunteer numbers is helpful.
“It’s getting harder and harder to find volunteers, and the need is just getting more and more,” he said. “The number of people that need food is skyrocketing.”
