Rosario is a senior living in the Whalley area. For her, health and safety concerns have made it even more difficult to access affordable food or manage on her own during the pandemic. She explains, “ I receive a fixed income and the cost of food is always increasing. Before COVID-19 I used public transportation to socialize, go shopping, and attend school. Since COVID-19 and the lockdown, it has been very hard for me to go out or for anyone to visit me. ” Rosario receives support from BC Settlement and Integration Services (BCSIS). Through a partnership with the United Way ’ s Food Hub program, Options has been able to provide groceries, food hampers, prepared meals, and grocery store gift cards to Rosario and more clients like her. Staff at BCSIS explain, “ we have built meaningful connections with our clients and created an environment where they can feel safe. Clients are able to come to a familiar place where they have received services in the past. ” Through the program, staff also “ provide and educate clients on community resources including childcare, MSP, Service Canada, shelters, Christmas programs, and more. ” “ The Food Hub has been so helpful to me! I am able to get fresh food including milk, eggs, meat, and produce. Options staff have been able to drop it off to me safely so I can stay safe at home, ” Rosario says. “ I am very grateful for this program and hope that I can continue to be a part of it. ”
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