Last week Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Rick Byers was at Home and Community Support Services of Grey-Bruce’s (HCSS) location in Owen Sound to celebrate the organization’s recent acquisition of a new freezer van.
The purchase of the van was made possible through a grant of $84,800 the organization 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 Byers.
This addition of the van 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 Executive Director Carolyn Laitinen. "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 will be leveraging this new resource to further support 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 has significantly improved access to affordable, healthy food for the most vulnerable members of the community.
This initiative benefits not only seniors but also adults with disabilities across Grey and Bruce Counties. With the new freezer van, 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.