Kitchen skills program for seniors expands with funding help from RTOERO district

STRATFORD - A pilot program from the Local Community Food Centre will help seniors to learn new recipes and foster social connections, thanks to a $4,000 donation from District 9 Huron-Perth of RTOERO. The Kitchen Skills Program was developed in partnership with the Stratford Family Health Team, and demonstrates a true collaboration between two community partners and RTOERO, noted Margaret Smart, coordinator at the Local Community Food Centre, who spoke at District 9’s recent Annual General Meeting. Margaret encouraged members to pop over to the Local Community Food Centre, located on Erie Street in Stratford, to purchase fresh grown produce, to enjoy a lunch on Mondays and Fridays, and to find out what the centre is all about. The Local is open to all. The District 9 funding is part of RTOERO’s annual community grants program. Since 1968, RTOERO has been a voice for teachers, school and board administrators, educational support staff and college and university faculty in their retirement.  Its mission is to improve the lives of our members and seniors. RTOERO members also share a desire to give back. Each year, districts apply for grants to support community projects. For 2024, RTOERO funded 31 projects for a total of $122,252. The seniors who take part in the Kitchen Skills Program will have the opportunity to learn recipes that meet their physical and nutritional needs, and get hands-on experience. This pilot program targets the growing issue of food insecurity, poor nutrition and social isolation among seniors. “Our funding will cover essential items such as food and containers, so that participants can fully engage in the program and benefit from improved dietary habits and community interaction,” said Jean Weigand, Community Grant Chair for District 9 Huron-Perth, RTOERO. Each year, a committee of RTOERO members assesses the merits of each grant submission. Projects touch on everything from environmental sustainability, to healthy and accessible communities. Since the inception of the community grants program 24 years ago, RTOERO has donated almost $2.1 million to more than 600 programs and projects. “Our members are active in contributing to the well-being of the places where they live, all across Canada. By partnering with local organizations, with grants and practical support, RTOERO districts engage in grassroots community building,” said John Cappelletti, chair of the board at RTOERO.” District 9 Huron-Perth include more than 1,100 members, and plays a key role in helping them stay engaged and connected, with each other and the community. RTOERO is a bilingual trusted voice on healthy, active living for the broader education community in their retirement journey. With 85,000+ members in 51 districts across Canada, we are the largest national provider of non-profit group health benefits for education retirees. We welcome members who work in or are retired from the early years, schools and school boards, post-secondary and any other capacity in education. We believe in a better future, together. (Contributed photo)