KIM BURTON-SCHRAM
Local journalism initiative reporter
The Maxville Manor long-term care facility is getting positive feedback for its Green Food Box Program that was initiated to give seniors access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
The program launched with 35 residents from Moose Creek, Dunvegan, Apple Hill, Monkland and Maxville receiving fruits, vegetables, prepared salad greens and even a sweet treat of soft cookies. Phyllis Burtenshaw-Lalonde, the Manor’s Director of Outreach and Volunteer Services, is spearheading the initiative. She has hired part-time staffer, Susan Kelly, to assist with organizing the list of recipients, ordering the produce, receiving and packaging the goods. Together, the two women distribute the food for pickup or delivery.
The program is targeted specifically to seniors within the communities surrounding the Maxville Manor. All clients are assessed using criteria such as their age, eating habits, purchasing patterns and if they grow their own vegetables or fruits at home. This assessment helps the Manor team to guide purchases.
Seniors who are unable to pickup their Green Food parcel can receive free delivery to their door, thanks to the help from a community volunteer, Manor staff and Burtenshaw-Lalonde. She says delivering the fresh vegetables and fruit provides her with a non-intrusive check-in with seniors in the community, making sure they are managing in their day-to-day lives without struggling alone.
The service costs $20 for a single senior and $30 for a couple. Burtenshaw-Lalonde said the value of the items received is over $45 with exceptional quality to help seniors eat healthy. A grant from Scotiabank allows for the program to run for three years. The Township of North Glengarry has offered space at the Maxville and District Sports Complex for the produce to be received, organized and distributed. Burtenshaw-Lalonde hopes that a way will be found to make the program sustainable beyond the three-year window. The grant will permit up to 50 residents to participate.
Burtenshaw-Lalonde says the program supports independent living for seniors. Some participants are former Manor employees who have volunteered at the Manor. Now, coming full circle, it’s their turn to receive the benefit of care from the community through this outreach program.
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