The congregate meal program offered through Morris Area Senior Services (MASS) is back to regular, full-time hours following a full shut-down during the pandemic, resignation of longtime cook Evelyn Penner, and several temporary cooks in recent years.
Jessica Davies stepped into the role of meal coordinator and cook in mid-November at the Davidson Memorial Centre and has been ensuring the 55+ Morris community and those with physical challenges receive delicious and hot quality meals ever since.
Raised with the mentality that “as long as there are ingredients in the house, there is a recipe waiting to be created,” Davies is excited to incorporate both new meals into the congregate meal program, as well as “meals that bring [diners] back to their childhood” following training with two culinary chefs.
She involves regulars in meal planning to ensure food preferences are catered to.
“I made BBQ chicken, baked beans, and pasta salad a couple weeks ago and have been hearing comments about it all week, so I think it was a fan favourite,” she shared.
Davies believes that “people eat with their eyes before they eat with their mouth” and the recent MASS Facebook page is mouth-watering proof. From Mexican cuisine to kebobs with Mediterranean rice, and seafood chowder with cheddar bay biscuits, local seniors have been eating well. Revitalization of complimentary afternoon tea has been popular, with up to 17 people attending a recent Monday event.
Operated through Southern Health-Santé Sud and part of the provincial Senior Service program, MASS supportive services enable seniors in the Town and RM of Morris to enjoy their independence as long as possible.
MASS coordinator Pat Eidse organizes numerous additional services, including clothing repair, foot care, house cleaning, Victoria Lifeline, transportation and equipment lending.
With interest in the meal program increasing, Eidse hopes to revitalize evening programming and special events that lapsed following COVID shut-downs.
“We lost many old faces through loss, age, and moving away, but have many new faces today,” she said. “The exercise program continues at the Morris Multiplex on Mondays and Wednesdays.”
Activities and crafts are still available for residents of the attached Parkside Villa, operated through Manitoba Housing.
“We encourage seniors that sit alone, day after day, to get out, enjoy the congregate meal and stay afterwards for entertainment. We have a responsibility to keep seniors as healthy as possible,” Eidse said.
Larger holidays see upwards of 70 people attending a congregate meal and entertainment event at the Davidson Centre. Pick-up or delivery for homebound seniors is always an option. Regular meal programming runs Monday through Friday with dinner served at 4:45 p.m. for $7 per meal. Pre-purchased meal tickets are an option. Orders must be placed by noon.
Although Davies knows that the congregate meal program is a “small piece of a larger puzzle we offer seniors,” she is excited to work with Eidse to expand the program and bring important services to those who need it most.
Greek and Mennonite meals are planned toward the end of January and into February, as well as a special Valentine’s Day dinner on Feb. 14.
“The Monday afternoon tea parties are a great opportunity for people to get together, bring friends, make new ones, and just have a good time while eating cute dainties,” Davies said.
The meal program is looking for volunteers to help out with tea parties and/or meal services, with volunteers receiving a complimentary meal for their help.
For more information on any service offered through the Morris Area Senior Services, contact Eidse at 204-746-6336. Meal orders can be placed with Davies at 204-712-5280.
