Food Inequality In Manitoba's Seniors

For many older adults in Manitoba, life can be a constant battle to make ends meet. Despite a lifetime of contributions to their families and communities, some older adults find themselves struggling financially. The rising costs of living, especially the skyrocketing grocery bills are making it difficult for many older adults to maintain a healthy life and get the proper support and nutrients they need each month.

With most older adults living on fixed incomes, many are finding themselves with smaller and smaller dinner plates by the end of each month. It can be disheartening to learn that many older residents run out of money by the end of each month, leaving them unable to afford essential needs such as proper nutrition, adequate housing and mobility support.   

According to a report by Statistics Canada, approximately 9% of people about to enter retirement are living below the poverty line.

The Vital Role of Not-for-Profit Organizations

In the face of such challenges, not-for-profit organizations in Manitoba have emerged as beacons of hope for many older adults. Both the Victoria Hospital Foundation and their partner Victoria Lifeline know the critically important role that not-for-profit organizations, in addition to Government programs, play in the day-to-day lives of older Manitobans. Both organizations' missions revolve around recognizing the importance of promoting mental, physical, and social health among older adults and providing much-needed services to them.

For this reason, both organizations teamed up to create the Healthy Community Partnership Grant. The grant aims to provide financial assistance to organizations serving primarily older adults. This grant allows eligible non-profit senior-serving organizations in Manitoba to acquire essential equipment and support activities or programs that contribute to the overall well-being of seniors.

A total of $10,000 is available and the grant funds are dispersed based on careful evaluation of different criteria. The grant funds can be utilized to establish new activities and services or expand existing ones.

2023 Grant Winners!

Good Neighbours Active Living Centre: Food Pantry

Good Neighbours Active Living Centre was started by seniors for seniors. A great organization dedicated to supporting seniors in East Kildonan. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for older adults by providing programs, services, and opportunities for social interaction that contribute to overall well-being and a sense of community.

They recognize the pressing need for food equity in our community. Their grant plan aims to establish a much-needed Food Pantry specifically targeting seniors. The grant funds will be utilized to purchase food-safe storage units as well as a carefully selected range of dry food items based on Canada’s Food Guide, providing a balanced diet for the pantry. 

Each participant will receive a voucher to be used on the same day at the pantry. Each item within the pantry will be assigned a value between $1 and $5, facilitating fair and flexible selection based on individual preferences and dietary needs. Unwanted items or those received from other food banks can be swapped any other day, ensuring minimal food waste and maximizing available resources.

Bridgepark Manor Inc: Wi-Fi Assisted Listening System

Bridgepark Manor Inc. is an Assisted Living facility committed to supporting seniors in maintaining their independence. The organization takes pride in offering a comprehensive range of services designed to support seniors' physical, mental, and social well-being In their grant application, they outlined their plan to enhance the audio experience in their Chapel/Multipurpose Room. The room serves as a hub for entertainment activities, Unfortunately, many of the residents have faced challenges in hearing the programming clearly. To address this issue, Bridgepark Manor has requested a sound package that includes a Wi-Fi listening system. This innovative system allows smart devices to wirelessly connect to Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids, ensuring improved audio quality and accessibility for seniors.

Additionally, the grant funds will be used to acquire a handheld condenser microphone/transmitter, enhancing sound pick-up and acoustics specifically designed to cater to the needs of the older adult demographic. The grant-funded audio equipment will enable all seniors, regardless of their hearing capabilities or use of hearing aids, to fully engage in activities and chapel services.

Seniors Independent Services of Prairie Lakes: Addition to their present Equipment Loan Program

Seniors Independent Services is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting the well-being of disabled and senior residents within the Rural Municipality of Prairie Lakes. They are also known for their Equipment Loan Program, which provides short-term loans of clean and safe medical equipment to older adults and individuals with disabilities at no cost. With the grant funds, they intend to expand their program to include equipment specifically needed for knee and hip replacement surgeries. These are some of the most common operations that older adults get.

The current program offerings include essential mobility aids such as walkers, wheelchairs, crutches, canes, bath seats, toilet risers, and transfer benches. However, the increasing number of local residents facing knee and hip replacement surgeries has prompted the need for additional equipment. Many individuals in rural Manitoba communities have limited access to transportation options, making it challenging for them to get around and/or acquire the necessary equipment independently. As a result, this program serves as a valuable solution for these individuals, offering them the short-term equipment they require without any financial burden.

The impact of this grant goes beyond a single community, benefiting the entire Rural Municipality of Prairie Lakes, which encompasses five communities. Extra funding for this program will empower older adults and disabled individuals to access the necessary medical equipment without financial strain, allowing them to recover comfortably and maintain their independence within their communities.

Congratulations to the Healthy Community Partnership Grant Winners!

Congratulations to all of the Healthy Community Partnership Grant recipients! Thank you for all of your work serving our community. You, and so many more organizations and individuals, provide essential and sometimes life-saving services to Manitobans. It’s not easy work, you truly all are heroes in your own right. At Victoria Lifeline and the Victoria Hospital Foundation, we will continue to join you in our mission to serve our community better and help those who may need it.