Salvation Army's Food Store's Focus On Dignity Is Model For Social Support

Photo: Michael Staples/Daily Gleaner

     

       Michael Staples’ article of several weeks ago, “Salvation Army’s Food Store allows clients to go ‘shopping’”, provides valuable insight into the lives of those who avail themselves of the services of the Salvation Army and other such agencies of care and support.

Adding a level of dignity, the food insecure are able to prepare their own food boxes, eliminating a lot of waste while saving money in the long term. ‘One-size fits all’ doesn’t work when delivering ‘social services’ like food/nutritional support to the at risk who are not always able to afford to eat as well as they should to stay healthy.

Whenever I read about various agencies that provide social services supports to those who are disadvantaged by life circumstances, I find myself thinking of ways that we and they could be even more helpful. One thing that struck me from the outset was the notion that having clients choose their own food from a grocery store like environment would ensure they select what they like, which would eliminate waste, concurrently saving money. Turns out that is what motiviated the Salvation Army to go that route.

Research shows that people who visit food banks have high rates of food-related health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity. Therefore, it is critical that the "charitable" food provided should be of high nutritional quality.

The person first approach reduces cost and waste as food bank dollars are spent on items that will  be eaten and not thrown away. The ‘sameness’ factor is eliminated; one size fits all food boxes is not effective use of time and money if client doesn’t want or need the item. Given that, labour costs at food banks are reduced as volunteer resources get acquainted with clients and get a better handle on just what their needs are and how shelves cans be stocked with items that focus on health and wellness. As food banks revamp communication style with clients they can then take that process into consultation with suppliers who will then know what is needed and how they can procur it at the least possible cost. Communication with donation providers allows a seamless transition from ‘one for all’  to ‘variety is the spice of life’.

Local farmers routinely contribute to food banks. Milk and meat are not cheap so food banks aren’t able to purchase a lot of it. Protein rich foods are critical to health and in partnering with local farms, client choice food banks will appreciate over time, that clients are getting healthier as nutrition improves. It’s a win-win in the the final analysis.

A surprising number of people simply don’t know how to cook, to plan a menu, prepare a budget or choose wisely at the grocery store. Those are skills that have been under-utilized, which is a tragedy, particularly in these currently economically stressed times. Living well skill sets could be enhanced with something as simple as recipe cards slipped into food boxes. Or, go big and bold — organize recipe books. Years ago, churches had cookbooks available to raise funds for various projects. Perhaps the time has come to revisit that scheme to improve the quality of life for those who need a little bit of help and encouragement. 

The old adage ‘you don’t get if you don’t ask’ is a truism. Those of us who’ve spent decades honing our domestic goddess/god skills have much to offer with regard to the ‘how to’ of meal prep, particularly on a budget.

At the local level, to expand community services, perhaps vacant buildings could be donated and converted to accommodate services of food distribution to more people and reduce the stress on existing food banks. 

It’s vital that we don’t insult the food insecure by scrutinizing their choices at food banks and other such venues that provide nutritional bumping up to families who struggle. Client choice food banks is a way for those very recipients to improve their own lot in life, over time, and ultimately become a contributor to the process of giving back. The whole exercise becomes a self-esteem building mechanism.

Carla MacInnis Rockwell is a freelance writer and disability rights advocate living outside Fredericton, NB with Miss Lexie, a rambunctious Maltese and Mr. Malcolm, the boisterous Havanese. She can be reached via email at carmacrockwell@xplornet.ca

Proper hydration in a summer heat wave can be a matter of life or death

Photo: Flickr/Mussi Katz

      Recently, I had an online conversation with a gal from my STU Vanier Hall days. A member of the Elsipogtog First Nation, a polio survivor and a wheelchair user since childhood, she is now a senior impacted by the implications of post-polio syndrome; what can best be described as the ‘wearing out’ syndrome. 

Like me, as I age with CP, she and I share a common feature of the process of growing old with disability. Because we use our good muscles to compensate for deficits, we wear them out more quickly than the able-bodied. In my case, my shoulders, elbows and wrists are impacted by the greatest wear and tear as a result of alternating use of  crutches and wheelchair and the constant extending of my arm to use my hand to touch ‘the spot’ as I walk about. That being so, I have frequent sessions with my TENS unit. 

My friend admits she doesn’t drink enough water; she used to, telling me that getting to the bathroom was a challenge as she needed help and she didn’t like being dependent on others. I told her to get over herself! To my way of thinking, if she has help, she should drink up and hydrate her body as required so that it performs well, from head to toe.  She did say she’d try to step up her intake and see how she feels. I pointed out that once she gets a routine established it will be easier to accommodate bathroom visits.  She acknowledges gratitude for a husband who’s ‘in it for the long haul’, who would do anything for her.  No doubt he’ll keep her supplied with the water she needs to stay healthy.

In BC, just this past week, 719 deaths were attributed to the heat wave that grabbed the province in a poker-hot grip. That’s a wake-up call, folks. Water, water must be everywhere; available especially to children and older adults who may not remember to drink up! Frequent fill-ups are vital to those populations to ensure that they don’t suffer from heat-related collapse. 

Friendly visiting of home alone seniors is a way that we can contribute to community wellness. How many of those who died in BC were home alone seniors or persons with challenges to daily living? In the nursing home setting particularly, care staff must be diligent about making the rounds with pitchers of ice water, encouraging water drinking and helping  those who are challenged accommodating the need. Necessary as well is assisting with bathroom needs, since they’re going to be increased. 

Sufficient water intake contributes to  a greater level of alertness and concurrent lessening of combativeness which is found in some patients with early, or even fully involved dementia. Sufficient hydration really does improve mood and that makes life more pleasant for everyone. After all, our bodies are approximately 60% water so filling up after a bathroom visit is a good way to get into the habit of keeping the ‘fuel tank’ full.

Symptoms of dehydration in the elderly may sometimes be subtle, but not drinking enough water and fluids can have impact on aging bodies such as mine. Severe dehydration can lead to confusion, weakness, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, bedsores in bedridden patients, and other serious conditions. Though I do walk, I limit moving about, particularly in really hot weather, opting to ‘sit it out’ with a binge watch of a favorite TV series. Give me winter!

During these extended periods of dangerously hot weather, we must look after ourselves and drink water. From the medical/physical perspective, severe dehydration is a potentially life-threatening emergency and can cause serious damage to kidneys, heart, and brain; to avoid severe dehydration, respond to signs of dehydration by drinking fluids that rehydrate. Consuming hydrating foods is another way to take care of yourself; watermelon, strawberries, oranges, peaches and canteloupe, to name a few, are ideal hydrating foods. Those on fixed incomes might look to sharing cost of an assortment of ‘good eats’. There are lots of creative ways to stay   hydrated and healthy during hot weather. What are your tips to stay cool?

Carla MacInnis Rockwell is a freelance writer and disability rights advocate living outside Fredericton, NB with Miss Lexie, a rambunctious Maltese and Mr. Malcolm, the boisterous Havanese. She can be reached via email at Carla MacInnis Rockwell