Image: Fraser Health

By Alyssa Conti

AFFORDABLE HOSPITAL MEALS

Senior meal program expanding to 4 new Fraser Health hospitals

Mar 9, 2025 | 1:46 PM

CHILLIWACK — Hospitals in the Fraser Health region are looking to feed seniors affordably without leaving a bad taste in their mouths.

The Senior Meals Program uses existing kitchens and staff to serve hot and nutritious dinners, like vegetarian lasagna and Shepherd’s pie, to those aged 65 and older. The program was a success at the Royal Columbian and Surrey Memorial and will now expand to the Abbotsford Regional, Burnaby, Chilliwack General and Peace Arch hospitals.

“We saw an opportunity to use our quiet hours in the cafeterias to offer something meaningful to the community,” explained Kevin Poland, director of Retail Food Operations at Fraser Health. “It just makes sense as our staff is already here, the kitchen is open, and we have the ingredients.”

Each meal costs $4.99, and seniors only need to inform food service staff that they are purchasing a senior meal—no registration or ID is required.

“For many seniors living on a fixed income, accessing and preparing nutritious meals can be challenging,” said Poland. “Based on the positive feedback, our program is helping bridge this gap by providing healthy and affordable meals.”

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The program offers more than warm meals. Staff say many seniors have been choosing to eat together and form friendships over dinner, too.

“It’s becoming a social space, not just a meal service,” said Angela Benincasa, manager of Retail Food Services at Royal Columbian Hospital.

Seniors can grab a meal from Monday to Friday from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Chilliwack General, Peace Arch and Surrey Memorial. The program is open until 6 p.m. at the other three locations in Abbotsford Regional, Burnaby and Royal Columbian.