Abbotsford Regional Hospital is joining a Fraser Health pilot program that provides affordable, nutritious meals to seniors.
The Senior Meals Program, which has been available at Eyáleq’ep retail food locations in Royal Columbian and Surrey Memorial hospitals, has expanded to include Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Burnaby and Peace Arch hospitals.
The program is led by the Retail Food Operations team, and uses existing kitchen facilities and staff to provide hot, 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 of retail food operations for Fraser Health. “It just makes sense as our staff is already here, the kitchen is open, and we have the ingredients.”
A press release from Fraser Health explains how it works. Each evening, a single-meal option is served that features dishes like vegetarian lasagne and Shepherd’s pie. For those with dietary restrictions, the team does its best to accommodate needs based on available options in the cafeteria.
They have about 20 meals that they rotate, curated by their lead chef. Each meal is designed to be affordable, nutritious and filling, ensuring seniors receive the nourishment they need.
During the initial pilot, feedback was gathered immediately after meal purchases, with seniors filling out surveys on iPads. This provided real-time insights into how the program is being received.
“For many seniors living on a fixed income, accessing and preparing nutritious meals can be challenging,” Poland said. “Based on the positive feedback, our program is helping bridge this gap by providing healthy and affordable meals.”
The program is open Monday through Friday, excluding statutory holidays, offering a hot meal for $4.99 in the hospitals' Eyáleq’ep retail food locations.
At Chilliwack General Hospital, Peace Arch Hospital and Surrey Memorial Hospital, meals are served from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. At Royal Columbian Hospital, Burnaby Hospital and Abbotsford Regional Hospital, meals are served from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
No registration or ID is required as seniors (ages 65 and up) only need to inform food service staff that they are purchasing a senior meal.
Beyond tackling food insecurity, Fraser Health said 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,” said Angela Benincasa, manager of retail food services at Royal Columbian Hospital.. “It’s becoming a social space, not just a meal service.”
