Last January Home & Community Support Services Grey-Bruce and The Lighthouse Restaurant in Southampton set out to improve the Frozen Meals on Wheels program which HCSS (Home & Community Support Service) operates throughout Grey & Bruce counties.
The Frozen Meals on Wheels program was previously operated by purchasing premade meals from a supplier in the GTA once per month. While this process of obtaining client meals sufficed the staff at HCSS felt there was room for improvement.
Together with existing partner in the Hot Meals-on-Wheels program James Di Adamo (Owner and operator of The Lighthouse Restaurant in Southampton) HCSS worked to launch a new line of homemade frozen meals for clients. With recipes created and tested in the Lighthouse kitchen the new frozen meal menu includes 30 different delicious and nutritious entrées as well as sides, soups, and desserts. Vegetarian, gluten free, as well as diabetic, low sodium and low fat, options are available to accommodate various dietary requirements.
“These changes to our program allow for frozen meals to be ordered and delivered to clients twice per month now. This far better suits the needs of our clients, especially those on fixed incomes and those with limited freezer space.” Colleen Benninger, Meals on Wheels Team Leader.
All the frozen meals are prepared and packaged from The Lighthouse Restaurant known to area locals and tourists alike for their delicious hearty breakfasts and lunches. “We take real pleasure in serving all of the customers that come through our door each day and are equally proud to be a part of supporting members of our community who benefit from enjoying our meals in their home.” James Di Adamo.
This month HCSS Grey-Bruce & The Lighthouse Restaurant are thrilled to be celebrating the first year of success after these changes to the program.
The Meals on Wheels program across Grey & Bruce is a vital service which ensures seniors and adults-living-with-disabilities across our region have access to affordable and nutritious meals.
With the help of volunteers from all areas of the region, 39,058 frozen meals were delivered in 2022. Each year HCSS relies on a large team of volunteers to help them deliver the many services they offer, including Meals on Wheels. There is always a need for additional volunteers to help with hot and/or frozen meal deliveries within their community. HCSS encourages anyone interested in helping us deliver this service in their community to contact Volunteer Coordinator Holly Pavusa. Any amount of time you have to offer is greatly appreciated and mileage reimbursement is available.
HCSS is also incredibly grateful to those throughout the community who donate to support the Meals on Wheels program. In December HCSS was delighted to receive support for the program through a grant from Community Foundation Grey Bruce thanks to the Eva Leflar Donor Advised Endowed Fund and a donation from Bruce County beef farmers. While every effort is made to keep the cost of meals as affordable as possible there are still some across our community who struggle with this expense. Donations to the Meals on Wheels program help provide meals for those experiencing food insecurity.
For more information about receiving Meals on Wheels, volunteering, or donating to Home and Community Support Services Grey-Bruce please call 519-372-2091 or visit HCSSGREYBRUCE.COM
Mary, James & Emily of the Lighthouse Restaurant in Southampton.
Mary & James at The Lighthouse Restaurant in Southampton packaging frozen meals.
HCSS Grey-Bruce Meals on Wheels volunteers Carol & Becky preparing to make frozen meal deliveries.
HCSS Grey-Bruce Staff Linda, Colleen & Tina celebrating Meals on Wheels donation from Bruce County Beef Farmers.
Frozen Meals prepared and packaged by The Lighthouse Restaurant for the HCSS Grey-Bruce Meals on Wheels program.