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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2008-10-09, Page 28Staff at the county’s homes for the aged are taking a fresh look at food. In response to a request from members of county council, homes administrator Barb Springall and nutrition care manager Connie Townsend investigated ways to use more locally grown foods at Huronlea in Brussels and Huronview in Tuckersmith. A report was brought back to council at the Oct. 1 meeting. From it there were three recommendations which received approval. The first was that request for proposals for the provision of meat, milk and dairy products be initiated. The second was to investigate utilizing the Good Food Box program to supplement produce purchases. A report regarding the full cost of using the program will be prepared by the treasury department and presented at meeting of council’s cultural services and seniors committee. Making a move to incorporate a Buy Local, Buy Fresh initiative into the homes’ kitchens is something Townsend feels will be relatively smooth. She said that for many years they have supported local produce vendors through the purchase of seasonal foods such as strawberries, asparagus, field tomatoes, corn on the cob, apples, turkeys and pumpkins.“I don’t anticipate any big challenges in adding more.” Springall agrees, but with an addendum. “Anything new always has kinks to work out.” Admitting that it would be naive to assume there wouldn’t be any gliches, Townsend said the one big issue she could think of at this time will be storage. “We are probably going to need to bring items in twice a week.” What is proposed would be to utilize a local meat butcher for a portion of the protein food items. “With this opportunity, the residents would get more fresh, not frozen meat,” said Townsend. It is also anticipated that could be a wider variety such as sandwich meats and store-made products not available through the distributor. A transition to a local dairy for milk products would be seamless, Townsend said. “Winter delivery can be improved as the source would be closer.” This could also potentially result in lower delivery or product costs, she noted. The home would continue with the seasonal foods they are already purchasing and would increase when possible. However, that said, there are factors to consider. “For example the homes purchase frozen diced turnip and use five bags per use. Staff time to prepare adequate numbers of fresh turnip would not be productive.” In her report to council Townsend said that the homes need to maintain their existing relationship with a London-based food distributor for a number of reasons. The company provides opportunities for input into menu development helping to ensure the homes offer menu choices that are acceptable to the current population. The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care mandates that a variety of food be offered under Canada’s Food Guide. “It is based on a four-week cycle. There’s a lot of paperwork involved in changing the menu,” said Townsend. Damaged goods purchased through the distribution agreement can be returned for credit. Also the arrangement provides the homes with the opportunity to benefit from group/bulk purchased. And with the company focus on long-term care, Townsend said they benefit from specialized expertise. While Springall suspects thatcompany may try to encourage moreof the business back, the currentcontract does not stipulate aminimum purchase. “Cutting backshouldn’t have any impact. People are becoming more interested in supporting the local economy. I suspect more municipalities will be looking into this.” Though a University of Torontostudy in 2006 showed 15 per cent cost increase in using locally- grown food, Springall said the “jury’s kind of still out.” And the additional dollars that came through in ‘raw food’ funding from the province “has helped lead us to develop this kind of thing,” saidSpringall. With local vendors and groceriesalready monitored by the health unitfood safety is not a concern. “We didagree with a health unit representative that vendors would be vetted through her following health unit guidelines.” “Obviously with the clientele we are serving we want to make sure we’re using a reputable source. It would be a concern if there was any issue named by the health unit.” “We have always supported buying locally. The ultimate goal will be to get as much local product here as we can,” said Townsend. A 13-year-old Seaforth girl got the county’s attention. Marissa Scott attended the Sept. 16 Huron County council committee of the whole meeting to discuss the use of plastic shopping bags. She delivered a speech and Power Point presentation outlining the harm these bags are causing to the environment. She explained that the bags are made from non-renewable sources and take up to 1,000 years to decompose. She noted the dangers to wildlife that eat the bags and suggested alternatives. Scott has delivered her message to municipal council as well and at the end of her talk distributed reusable shopping bags which she purchased from her babysitting money. To date she has given away almost 400 bags. She also asked council to consider imposing a tax or a ban on plastic shopping bags. At the Oct. 1 meeting county council, Ashfield-Colborne- Wawanosh councillor Neil Rintoul suggested that council find a way to extend appreciation to Scott. “She deserves credit. This was an excellent presentation, and the fact that she purchased those bags from her babysitting money is something.” While a monetary value was first suggested Huron East’s Bernie MacLellan suggested a gift or award would be more appropriate. “A cheque doesn’t sit well with me.” After some discussion an idea from warden John Bezaire of Central Huron was agreed upon. The county will be purchasing either 20 bags or up to $100 worth from a local manufacturer so Scott can “continue her campaign”. A recommendation instructing staff to bring back a strategy report on how to proceed carried. Good food Nutrition care manager for the county homes for the aged, Connie Townsend, left, and homes administrator Barb Springall discuss what’s on the menu for residents. Administration is currently working on a buy local initiative that will see an increase in the amount of locally- grown food brought into the homes. (Bonnie Gropp photo) PAGE 28. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2008. 13-year-old gets county’s attention County homes take fresh look at food Lobb BEN Authorized by Stephen Baker, Offi cial Agent for Ben Lobb A stronger, safer, better Canada. Since December 2005, I’ve been at over 12,000 of your doorsandhavelistenedcloselyasyousharedyourvision for our communities and for Canada. You expect and deserve results. During my career as Business Analyst with Wescast in Wingham and as Cost Analyst with Desire 2 Learn in Waterloo, I’ve learned that results matter! My family have been farmers and business owners in Huron County for over 150 years and they’ve passed down a strong work ethic and sense of community pride. This forms my vision for Huron-Bruce; to build a new relationship with Ottawa and to help build a stronger, safer, better Canada. Again, thank you for your support. On October 14th, please vote Ben Lobb - Conservative. sincerely, For a ride to the polls please call 1-877-524-6560 Conservative By Bonnie Gropp The Citizen By Bonnie Gropp The Citizen