A program that delivered food hampers to seniors for the past four months wrapped up March 31.
The Thompson Seniors Community Resource Council (TSCRC) Food on the Table for Winter initiative began in December and provided 10 low-income and mobility-challenged participants with a $60 food hamper every week.
“Winter is hard enough on most of us older people, without the addition of COVID isolation, above-average snowfall and difficulties getting around,” said TSCRC chairperson Linda Dearman in a press release. “But when you consider some seniors and elders barely have enough money to pay rent, you can understand why they may have to scrimp on the food budget. We just wanted to provide access to more healthy food choices for this group of people."
The program was made possible by a grant from the Thompson Community Foundation and a donation from ReMax Thompson.
“Food security is a real and frightening factor for many of our older population,” said volunteer Kate Roth. “It is nice to have been part of an initiative that could help alleviate that concern for some of our more senior residents.”
Other volunteers who helped deliver hampers every Wednesday in all types of weather included Jean Pankratz, Greg Pelchat, Chris Pelchat, Molly Stapleton, Cora Stapleton and Heather Bonner.
Molly Stapleton said hamper recipients appreciated the deliveries.
“Often they would look through the bag or box as if it were a birthday or Christmas present, especially the people who had a grandchild living with them,” she said.
“We couldn’t do this without volunteers,” Dearman said. “I am glad we are beginning to rebuild a volunteer base. Also, we couldn’t do this without the advice and expertise of Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre. They provided much insight on how to make this program successful.”
The TSCRC has applied for another grant and if they get it, there are plans to put food on the table of low-income seniors and elders this spring and summer, too.
