By Cheryl Jahn

Meals on Wheels paused

Jul 31, 2023 | 3:49 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Meals of Wheels is a vital program for more than a hundred senior citizens in the city.

“Currently, we were serving about 126 clients in Prince George that will not have the service for the month of August,” says Nicole Currie, who has run the program for years. “So this is a really big deal to us at the Council of Seniors, and it is a top priority to get this program reinstated as soon as possible.”

But, as of tomorrow, the Council of Seniors is putting the program on halt. Council writes:

“It is with regret that we are needing to pause our Meals on Wheels program until further notice. We are hopeful that it will only be for the month of August. The pause is unfortunately necessary due to various reasons, some of those reasons are a sudden increase in program costs as well as a temporary staff shortage.”

Public Safety

Public Safety Committee issues front and centre

9h ago

Cousins, camping, and Canadian wilderness: 'Finding Nowhere' goes global

17h ago

Prince George area marks milestone as BC Timber Sales Auctions two commercial thinning projects

17h ago

Well, we have several issues going on right now. This pause is unfortunately necessary due to various reasons, and some of them are we have some staff shortages, temporary staff shortages right now, as well as a sudden program increase. And that’s the biggest reason that there is a pause in the program.”

City Councillor Susan Scott has been a long-time advocate for seniors around the Council Chambers and recognizes the significance of this move. “And the connection that this program has with individuals is remarkable. When other folks have said, you know, even during the whole season of COVID, we can’t come in, we can’t touch you, we can’t be around you. Meals on Wheels stepped up and delivered food to people in need.'”

And she says, much like ducks feet, there is plenty happening behind the scenes to keep the program operating.

“The Prince George Council of Seniors is hard on this, and they have a board meeting this week and they will over this next. I would say two weeks. They’re going to put out their more specific plans because this can’t just stop going on because people need it.”

What the Council desperately needs is access to a kitchen that is able to produce enough meals for 126 people.

“So if anybody in the public is aware of a commercial kitchen that is available, we’re definitely interested. If they wouldn’t mind contacting us, then we can take a look at that. So that is something that we do have to take a look at due to the increasing cost of the meals that was presented to us.”

For Currie, the decision was an emotional one.

“I find this extremely upsetting for the clients that are affected and for their loved ones that you know well. Now they might be working full-time jobs and have their own families to look after, but now they also have to factor mom or dad or grandma and grandpa or auntie, your uncle in there as well. So I know the extra pressure that this puts on their loved ones as well.”

On an interim basis, though the Council has possible options as a stop-gap:

*The Elder Citizens’ Recreation Centre

*The Spruce Capital Seniors *Hart Pioneer Centre

*M & M Meats

But, it should be noted, for pick up only.