in Chatsworth, Grey Highlands, Southgate, West Grey
November 22, 2024
Photo: from left to right: Paul Sammut - Vice Chair HCSS Board of Directors, Hugh Wilson, Ontario Trillium Foundation, Debbie Pegelo, Chair, HCSS Board of Directors, David Smith, HCSS Van Driver, Tina Ziel, Meals on Wheels Clerk, Jo-Anne Cook, Senior Director HCSS, Rick Byers, MPP Bruce Grey Owen Sound and Julie White, Manager Meals on Wheels, Central Intake and LEGHO programs.
On Friday, MPP Rick Byers attended the Home and Community Support Services of Grey-Bruce’s (HCSS) location to celebrate the organization’s recent acquisition of a new freezer van that was made possible thanks to the $84,800 Capital grant it received last year from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).
“It was great to join the team at Home and Community Support Services at the Owen Sound office to recognize their receipt of an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant. The funds were used to purchase a new van which can take frozen meals across Grey Bruce. Thanks for your great work, it is having an important impact in the community!” said MPP Rick Byers.
This exciting development marks a significant enhancement to HCSS’s frozen meal program, enabling the organization to improve and expand its reach within rural communities. The new freezer van ensures safe and reliable meal distribution while fully complying with food safety guidelines, providing peace of mind for both clients and volunteers.
"The introduction of this freezer van is a game-changer for our program," said Carolyn Laitinen Executive Director at HCSS. "It will help us overcome challenges such as food spoilage and delivery issues, especially during the hot summer months. We are grateful for the support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the provincial government, which helps us continue our mission to serve our communities effectively."
The funding not only facilitates immediate improvements to meal distribution but also lays the groundwork for future collaborations among local agencies, enhancing the capacity to meet community needs. HCSS looks forward to leveraging this new resource to further support their clients and foster community well-being. Addressing a critical need for isolated seniors in the Grey-Bruce area, the recent acquisition of a new frozen meal van thanks to the OTF grant has significantly improved access to affordable, healthy food for the most vulnerable members of our community.
This initiative benefits not only seniors but also adults with disabilities across Grey and Bruce Counties. With the new freezer van, Home and Community Support Services of Grey Bruce (HCSS) can effectively reach those living in the most remote areas, providing them with nutritious meals when access to healthcare and food options is limited.
“The Frozen Meal Van has transformed our ability to deliver reliable, safe meals to those in need,” said Jo-Anne Cook, Senior Director at HCSS. “It has improved our clients’ quality of life and alleviated family stress associated with isolation and mobility challenges. Our program not only addresses food security but also fosters social well-being by connecting individuals with vital services.”
In addition to improving health outcomes, the affordability of the meals and the subsidy available for the frozen meal program enhance the economic well-being of the community. HCSS is now poised to expand its reach, ensuring that more people benefit from this essential service. This project represents a significant step forward in addressing food insecurity and improving the quality of life for those in Grey and Bruce Counties.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110M into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
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