More Than a Meal: How the United Way BC Social Meals Grant is Nourishing Seniors and Building Community 

There’s something deeply human about sharing a meal. It’s not just about food—it’s about connection, comfort, and care. For many older adults across British Columbia, these simple moments of togetherness have become increasingly rare. Living alone, facing mobility challenges, or grieving the loss of loved ones, many seniors find themselves isolated, impacting not only their emotional well-being but also their physical health. 

That’s why the United Way BC Healthy Aging Social Meals grant is so vital. It goes beyond addressing food insecurity—it brings people together. Whether it’s a hot meal delivered by a friendly volunteer or a lively lunch shared in a community space, the program offers seniors more than nourishment. It offers dignity, companionship, and a renewed sense of belonging. 

This is the story of how food is helping seniors reconnect—one plate, one person, one conversation at a time. 

Finding Friendship Over a Shared Meal: Bob and Lloyd’s Story 

After retiring, Bob moved from Surrey to Hope with his wife, hoping to enjoy a quieter life. But when their relationship ended, Bob found himself alone and untethered. “There’s nothing keeping me in Hope,” he says. With ongoing health issues requiring frequent hospital visits, Bob was constantly commuting to Chilliwack, so he moved there, but the loneliness followed. 

Looking to connect, Bob joined the Thursday Seniors Connect Café at the local community centre, offered through Compassionate Neighbourhood Health Partners Society, also known as Compassionate Neighbours. But the experience didn’t bring the connection he hoped for. “None of us had a thing in common. There was very little conversation,” he recalls.  

That’s when Connie Stam, President, and Coordinator of the Seniors & Elders Programs at Compassionate Neighbours, stepped in. She had noticed Bob’s quiet presence and reached out. “Connie called me after—she told me about a whole bunch of things,” Bob says. After learning more about his situation, Connie suggested a more personal approach: the United Way BC funded Enhanced Social Meals program at Compassionate Neighbours, which pairs isolated seniors with trained volunteers for shared meals and meaningful conversation. “She asked if I would be interested in meeting [Lloyd]—and I figured yup,” said Bob.  

The impact was immediate. “Lloyd’s a real easy guy to talk to,” Bob shares. “My thought was we were really good together.” Their first meeting sparked a friendship that extended beyond lunch. Lloyd introduced Bob to a nearby park he hadn’t known about. “I loaded up my scooter, and I’d go there… I’ve been there a couple times, and I spent a couple of hours really relaxing. It got me out of the home.” 

The meals themselves have been a source of comfort and joy. “Last week, we had fish—salmon—and it was very good.” For Bob, preparing meals on his own is a challenge. “I lost over 70 lb. in the past 15 months. This foot is broken, badly broken… They want to cut it off. I don’t want them to cut it off, so I’m walking on it every day.” 

Despite the physical pain and emotional hurdles, Bob is finding hope again. “Meeting Lloyd has given me some friendship that I hope will develop from here. He’s been a wealth of information ‘cause he knows the city much more than me and put me on a lot of parks which is great.” 

A Volunteer’s Perspective: Meet Emily 

Emily brings a unique perspective to her role in the Enhanced Social Meals program—one shaped by her experience as a nurse in the emergency department. “We see a lot of lonely seniors coming into emerge,” she explains. “Recognizing the deep need for connection, Emily decided to volunteer. “I thought, you know, I have a little bit of time… surely I can do once a month and make somebody’s day happier and give them some company.” 

Since March 2024, Emily has been visiting Lynda, a senior living alone in Chilliwack with some memory challenges and anxiety around unfamiliar people. “She gets extremely anxious around people she doesn’t know, especially if it’s more than one or two in a group,” Emily shares. “She’s hungry to have company and to chat—the meal is sort of secondary.” 

Their first visit was transformative. “After the first half hour, she really started chatting… telling her life history, which was really interesting.” Over time, their bond grew stronger. “She just wants to keep chatting so she can keep a visitor coming.” 

For Lynda, the Social Meals program fills a gap that rushed care visits and busy family schedules can’t. “She said, she would love to have a nice meal with somebody, on a plate, and sit down.” 

And for Emily, the reward is mutual. “It’s truly a gift to somebody else that costs you little but time,” she says. “What we’re doing as volunteers is showing that they matter—that their life stories matter, and that they’re not invisible.” 

Expanding the Table: Group Meals at Bridgeport and Homeport Apartments 

In December 2024, the Enhanced Social Meals program at Compassionate Neighbours took a meaningful step forward—bringing hot, nutritious lunches directly into the common rooms of apartment buildings like Bridgeport and Homeport located behind Chilliwack General Hospital. Twice a month, volunteers gather with seniors to share a meal, swap stories, and build community—all within the comfort of their own buildings. 

For many seniors, this simple act of gathering is transformative. “It’s helping, just meeting your neighbours you don’t even know,” says Margaret, a resident and regular participant. “It’s an opportunity to come out… for lots of people that’s their socialization.” 

 “Like everybody, you kind of struggle at times… not like I’m starving or in danger of starving. I just enjoy coming here because the people are nice and the food is good. And they’re interesting,” says Margaret.  

The program’s success is thanks in large part to Linda, the apartment manager and a resident, who saw the need and took action—something not often seen in property management. “I know it’s important for the seniors, like a lot of us, they need interaction.” 

Linda has witnessed firsthand the changes in her residents. “They’re happier. They like it that they know other people here,” she says. “There are people who’ve lived here 15 years or more and didn’t know anybody…we’ve encouraged them to get a buddy next door, you know, so that they can check up on each other.” 

Beyond the meal, it’s the sense of belonging that keeps people coming back. “There’s always someone here that will help you,” Margaret says. “And the food’s good. It really is good. I’ve never had a bad meal.” 

Let’s Be United for Seniors 

Bob’s renewed sense of connection, Emily’s compassionate commitment, and the growing community at Bridgeport and Homeport Apartments are just a few examples of how the United Way BC Social Meals grant is transforming lives—one meal, one visit, one conversation at a time. 

Thanks to the generous support of our partners and the Government of BC, more than 15,200 seniors in BC found comfort, companionship, and nourishment through this grant last year. Whether it’s a warm lunch shared in a common room or a heartfelt chat over a home-delivered meal, these moments matter. They help older adults stay socially connected, emotionally supported, and food secure. 

With your help, we can continue expanding this vital work—reaching more seniors in more communities and ensuring no one faces aging alone. 

Join us in building a future where every senior feels seen, supported, and valued. 

Let’s Be United for Seniors. Donate Today.