The Arborg & District Seniors’ Resource Council (SRC) is expanding its congregate meal program to help ensure seniors in Arborg and the surrounding area have access to healthy, homemade meals.
The SRC currently provides a variety of home-cooked meals to residents at the House of Hope, an independent living facility on the west side of town, and to residents at Sunrise Lodge, a Manitoba Housing facility in the centre of town.
But seniors who live in their own homes in Arborg or surrounding municipalities such as Armstrong and Bifrost-Riverton are now welcome to order low-cost, freshly cooked meals from the SRC.
Jacquie Sigurdson, who has overseen the meal program for 20 years, said some older adults who are still able to live independently no longer cook for themselves.
“There are so many seniors in the community and they need nutritious meals. Some don’t cook by themselves anymore,” said Sigurdson. “We currently serve the residents at the House of Hope and at Sunrise Lodge, and we want to open this up to adults who are 55-plus and are living in their own homes.”
Although home care services through the regional health authority may include meal preparation for eligible clients, many older adults who aren’t eligible for home care have few options for healthy meals.
“There’s a gap for seniors who are living alone and finding it a challenge to cook for just themselves. Others might cook a roast, for example, and then have to eat it for days,” said Sigurdson. “Often seniors tend to make something fast, whether it’s toast or a bowl of cereal, and they’re not getting the nutrition they need. Our congregate meal program fills that gap.”
The SRC’s meals consist of a full-course dinner — traditionally considered the day’s largest meal and eaten at midday — meant to provide enough energy and nutrition to last through the afternoon.
Some meals include cod with cheesy dill mashed potatoes, vegetables and apple crisp; chicken pot pie with dinner buns and fruit; honey garlic meatballs with mashed potatoes, salad and tarts; and Sunday brunch featuring French toast with pork sausage, sliced fruit and cake. Turkey dinner with all the fixings is also offered from time to time.
Sigurdson prepares everything by hand, including soups and desserts — nothing is pre-packaged or store-bought.
Weekly menus are posted every Thursday on the program’s Facebook page. People without Facebook can call Sigurdson, who can text them a copy of the menu.
Meals can be delivered within Arborg. Those living outside town can pick up their orders at the House of Hope, where the program is based. Orders require 48 hours’ notice, and pick-up is between 11:30 a.m. and noon.
Those who drive can also pre-order and eat in the House of Hope dining room, giving them a chance to socialize with friends or meet new ones.
Meals are available seven days a week for $10 each, which helps cover the cost of the program.
Sigurdson said she isn’t sure how many new clients the expanded program might attract, but expects it could be around 20 to 25 per day. She also welcomes more volunteers to help with meal delivery.
“We don’t have enough volunteers for delivery. It would be nice to have more volunteers come aboard,” she said.
Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Jacquie Sigurdson at 204-376-5014.
