United Way is hoping it can get more egg salad sandwiches and shepherd’s pie on the plates of low-income seniors who need it, thanks to new federal funding.
“They love their sandwich,” said Debbie McInnis, CEO of the Greater Moncton and Southeastern New Brunswick United Way. “Do not take away the egg sandwich.”
The non-profit organization is expanding its already existing program that offers meals to seniors living on low income in the Moncton and southeast New Brunswick areas.
The meal program started in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, backed by emergency funding as well as private donors. After the first year, United Way received funding from the province to keep it going.
The program is serving 117 people a week. McInnis hopes that number can grow to 300 within the next month.
Who it serves
The program is available for people who are over 60 and living on low income. McInnis says most people are living off about $21,000 a year, but some people are living off as little as $7,500.
Ann Campey, who lives at People’s Park Tower in Moncton, helps deliver meals to about 30 of her neighbours in the building each week.
She says there are people who are sleeping on a mattress on the floor, and aren’t getting much nutrition.
“I had stopped by one guy’s place one evening and all he had for his meal is two hot dogs on a plate,” said Campey.
McInnis says the program helps people who either can’t afford to make nutritious meals or have physical limitations.
“One of the significant benefits I think of this program is it allows seniors to stay in their homes,” said McInnis. “Food is such a vital, vital part.
“We’ve had people tell us and their caregivers tell us how their health has improved in having consistent, nutritious meals.”
The meal program is for people 60 and over who are living on low income. (Doug Kerr/CBC)
It also means there is a social connection between the volunteers and those receiving the food, which McInnis says is important.
For Campey, it’s essential.
“It’s a good program,” said Campey. “I can’t see the seniors here now going without it. I don’t know what we’d do without them, really.”
The need
McInnis says people can have good meals while still being able to manage their other costs.
“When you’re on a fixed income and you have fixed expenses, there’s not a lot of room to manoeuvre around your budget. So, one of the things that you … can kind of cut out of your budget is food,” said McInnis.
McInnis says the program is nearly full, but they are able to put people on a waitlist.
News Related-
The best Walmart Cyber Monday deals 2023
-
Jordan Poole took time to showboat and got his shot blocked into the stratosphere
-
The Top Canadian REITs to Buy in November 2023
-
OpenAI’s board might have been dysfunctional–but they made the right choice. Their defeat shows that in the battle between AI profits and ethics, it’s no contest
-
Russia-Ukraine Drone Warfare Rages With Dozens Headed for Moscow, Amid Deadly Winter Storm
-
Trump tells appeals court that threats to judge and clerk in NY civil fraud trial do not justify gag order
-
Can Anyone Take Paxlovid for Covid? Doctors Explain.
-
Google this week will begin deleting inactive accounts. Here's how to save yours.
-
How John Tortorella's Culture Extends from the Philadelphia Flyers to the AHL Phantoms
-
Tri-Cities' hatcheries report best Coho return in years
-
Wild release Dean Evason of head coaching duties
-
Air New Zealand’s Cyber Monday Sale Has the 'Lowest Fares of 2023' to Auckland, Sydney, and More
-
NDP tells Liberals to sweeten the deal if pharmacare legislation is delayed
-
'1,000 contacts with a club': Tiger Woods breaks down his typical tournament prep to college kids in fascinating video