Health Minister Terry Lake and Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone today officially opened a seniors’ centre community kitchen that will provide meals and showcase cooking skills through food preparation classes.

“Just as the kitchen is the heart of a home, a neighbourhood kitchen is the heart of a community,” said Lake. “What’s great is that seniors will be doing the teaching and cooking. They have a lifetime of experience to share and those attending the kitchen can learn about making a meal or budgeting and even get a nice, home-style lunch.”

The neighbourhood kitchen was developed in partnership with the Kamloops Food Policy Council, which works with local advocacy groups and organizations on projects that strengthen the region’s community food system. The Province has invested $150,000 toward the project.

The kitchen – located at the Centre for Seniors Information BC – will have a daily lunch program and offer classes, which will include:

• canning and preserving food;
• cooking for one;
• cooking for special dietary needs;
• meal preparation planning for the week; and,
• nutritious food on a budget.

Class size will average around 10 participants. The majority of programs and services are designed for seniors, but all are welcome. This training also will help those wanting a job in the food-service sector to gain experience.

“This kitchen allows seniors and others in Kamloops to gather regularly to share important cooking skills and prepare nutritious food,” said Stone. “I thank everyone who played a role in getting this project up and running. It will be of great service to our community.”

Over the years, officials at the centre have noticed growing numbers of seniors dropping by for a sandwich, soup and salad. The larger space will mean the centre can offer more substantial meals, expand its programs and function as a hub for everyone.

“This is a very exciting day! Exciting for the Centre for Seniors Information, for our community, partner organizations and of course, participants who will greatly benefit from the wide range of food-share, food-preparation programs and educational opportunities,” said Brenda Prevost, Centre for Seniors Information BC executive director. “For almost 10 years, CSI has diligently worked towards fulfilling our vision of developing a location where seniors and community can come together. Support from the Ministry of Health, local business and volunteers have made this project a success.”

“Seniors will benefit by remaining connected to the community and being socially active as well as being able to get a meal,” said Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors Darryl Plecas. “The new kitchen will also provide seniors with the chance to pass along their knowledge of meal planning and food preparation to younger generations.”

The Centre for Seniors Information runs a number of programs to support older residents, including fraud and elder-abuse awareness. The centre also has information on community services, health and housing. There are also social gatherings such as bingo, cards and dances.

Learn more:

To learn more about the Centre for Seniors Information, visit: www.csikamloops.ca

For more information on seniors’ services in British Columbia, visit: www.seniorsbc.ca

For more information on healthy eating for seniors, visit: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/seniors/health-safety/active-aging/healthy-eating/healthy-eating-for-seniors-handbook 

For more information on healthy aging, visit: https://healthyfamiliesbc.ca/aging-well