On October 30, 2024, NexusBC Community Resource Centre and Land to Table Network Society hosted a lunch session at the Schubert Centre with 22 local seniors to discuss food security. The purpose of the event was for seniors to share their experiences, perspectives, and feedback to help both hosting organizations to advocate for, plan, and deliver programming that supports seniors’ food security.
During registration for the event, of the 36 people who registered, only 30% of seniors indicated that they were familiar with the term “food security,” and when asked why they attended the event, nearly half of the participants stated it was because they wanted to learn and share ideas about food security. The session provided both an overview of what food security is and how Land to Table and NexusBC are working to address food security within our community. Then, after filling out a survey gauging people’s familiarity and ideas on various aspects of food security and seniors food programming, the group broke into brainstorming tables to discuss their challenges and innovative ideas on improving food affordability, accessibility, and awareness. The discussions were rich with actionable insights, offering a roadmap to address seniors’ food security in the community.
Affordability Challenges
The rising cost of fruits, vegetables, and other staples dominated the conversation. Seniors highlighted how difficult it is to stretch their limited budgets, with one noting, “My budget goes to rent, meds, phone, and whatever is left goes to food.” Participants expressed frustration with the high price of local fresh produce and the lack of affordable alternatives at the grocery store. Especially for people with allergies or dietary restrictions, it can be nearly impossible to find affordable alternatives or allergy-friendly foods.
Suggestions included:
- Affordable markets focused on seniors’ need
- Food offered in smaller portions at lower prices
- Senior bulk-buying programs for reduced pricing, like sharing close-out sales.
- More central pop-up affordable markets, like the night market at Polson Park.
- Expanding community kitchens where people can cook meals together for $5–$10, share tips, and take food home.
Another participant captured the challenge succinctly: “With one unexpected cost, food becomes the item that goes.”
Raising Awareness of Food Programs
For many seniors, accessing food programs begins with knowing they exist. Participants emphasized that not everyone has internet access, so awareness campaigns need to go beyond social media. Recommendations included:
- Posting flyers at community hubs like the Schubert Centre, the Rec Centre, and local churches.
- Advertising in delivery programs, newspapers, radio, and publications like Coffee News.
- Expanding information sharing through social media pages, including the Okanagan Seniors Facebook page and Vernon Rant + Rave.
There was also a call to better inform seniors about programs like the Good Food Box and food recovery initiatives to reduce waste and share surplus.
Expanding Food Programs and Services
Participants were enthusiastic about new ideas to enhance food access:
- “Pay-it-forward” food boxes for those in need.
- Specialty boxes, such as Gluten-Free Boxes or Beverage Boxes with coffee, tea, and water.
- Food access programs that allow seniors to select their own food items, offering dignity and choice.
- Educational opportunities to teach food storage techniques, share recipes, and how to process tough vegetables (e.g. how to cook squash in a microwave).
- Educational opportunities to learn healthier, cost-effective food choices.
- Increased delivery options for those unable to carry groceries home.
Gardening emerged as a powerful tool for fostering both food access and community connection. Participants suggested:
- Expanding community gardens and ensuring they are accessible to seniors.
- Prioritizing gardens at seniors’ living facilities.
- Creating systems to share surplus produce from private gardens with neighbors.
For those unable to garden anymore, there was a call for programs to connect them with gardeners who have excess produce to share.
Participants also voiced a desire for more in-person opportunities to connect, share meals, and learn, stating, “There should be more opportunities to meet like this lunch.”
Mobility was a recurring issue. While some seniors can make it to the store, carrying groceries home is a challenge. Others need assistance signing up for online services or navigating digital platforms. Programs like Butcher Boys’ delivery service were praised, but participants urged for more options to support those with limited mobility.
Advocacy for Seniors Food Security
Participants recognized the need for systemic change, urging action in several key areas:
- Lobbying the city of Vernon to lower the farmers’ market rent to attract more vendors and reduce prices.
- Developing effective systems for food donations, ensuring they reach those who need them most.
- Ensuring there are affordable adequate foods available in programming for seniors with different dietary restrictions and allergies.
- Working with local retailers to offer seniors’ discount shopping days and more delivery services.
- Working with transportation and delivery services to ensure seniors can access food and also safely get the food home.
While the actionables coming out of the day focused more on short-term changes to programming, folks shared higher level systems feedback as well. When asked about social and environmental issues in the food system, the majority of participants do not believe our food system supports human rights, long-term economic viability, or that our food system is resilient and safe in the face of climate change. Less than 19% of participants believe that Indigenous knowledge is upheld and practiced in our food system, a key element to achieving food security.
These discussions underscored the willingness and creativity of seniors in addressing food security issues and ideas. From advocating for affordable food options to enhancing awareness and access, the ideas shared at this event represent a powerful call to action for Land to Table, NexusBC, and the community at large. By working together to implement these community-driven solutions, we can build a more equitable and accessible food system—one that ensures dignity, affordability, and opportunity for everyone.
Are you curious about the eight intersecting elements of food security and how this group of seniors responded?
