The pilot program designed to provide affordable, nutritious meals to those aged 65 and older is expanding to include four new Fraser Health hospitals.
The Senior Meals Program, led by the Retail Food Operations team, was successfully piloted at Royal Columbian Hospital and Surrey Memorial Hospital using existing kitchen facilities and staff to provide hot and nutritious dinners.
“We saw an opportunity to use our quiet hours in the cafeterias to offer something meaningful to the community,” explains Kevin Poland, director, Retail Food Operations, Fraser Health. “It just makes sense as our staff is already here, the kitchen is open, and we have the ingredients.”
Each evening, a single meal option is served that features nutritious, well-balanced dishes like vegetarian lasagna and Shepherd’s pie. For those with dietary restrictions, the team does its best to accommodate needs based on available options in the cafeteria.
“We have about 20 meals that we rotate, curated by Chef Dustin, who is the lead for Culinary Food Services,” says Angela Benincasa, manager, Retail Food Services, Royal Columbian Hospital. “Each meal is designed to be affordable, nutritious and filling, ensuring seniors receive the nourishment they need.”
A key component of the pilot was to gather feedback using iPads by conducting surveys immediately after meal purchases, providing real-time insights into how the program is being received, which was incredibly positive.
“For many seniors living on a fixed income, accessing and preparing nutritious meals can be challenging,” says Kevin. “Based on the positive feedback, our program is helping bridge this gap by providing healthy and affordable meals.”
Following the success of the pilot at the Eyáleq’ep retail food locations in Royal Columbian Hospital and Surrey Memorial Hospital, the program is now expanding to include four additional locations: Abbotsford Regional Hospital, Burnaby Hospital, Chilliwack General Hospital and Peace Arch Hospital.
The program is open Monday through Friday, excluding statutory holidays, offering a hot meal for just $4.99 in our Eyáleq’ep retail food locations. At Chilliwack General Hospital, Peace Arch Hospital and Surrey Memorial Hospital, meals are served from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. At Royal Columbian Hospital, Burnaby Hospital and Abbotsford Regional Hospital, meals are served from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. No registration or ID is required as seniors only need to inform food service staff that they are purchasing a senior meal.
Beyond tackling food insecurity, the program is reducing social isolation, as many seniors choose to eat together, forming friendships over dinner.
“We’re seeing repeat visitors, and some are even bringing their friends,” shares Angela. “It’s becoming a social space, not just a meal service.”
