Riun Blackwell is on a mission.
After helping to set up Squamish Helping Hands Society's food redistribution program, the long-time community volunteer is out to put more food on empty plates.
Unlike his previous project - in which groceries nearing their expiry dates are picked up from stores and immediately disbursed at the shelter - this time around Blackwell aims to get cheap, healthy meals to people's doors.
"We are in tough times," he said. "Everybody is hard pressed now."
Last year, North Vancouver's Salvation Army New Hope Cuisine travelled up the Sea to Sky Corridor in the hopes of rolling out its program in Squamish. The initiative trains people trying to get started in the culinary arts, while also preparing healthy, frozen meals for people with low incomes. But nobody took them up on their offer -until now.
"This is an effort to provide nutritious food at a really reasonable cost," Blackwell said, noting a three-course meal would set you back $4.50 and a soup $1.50.
The frozen meals will be served to all sectors of community, he said. A standard meal includes one protein entrée, a potato selection and one other vegetable. There are also single serving options, such as casseroles.
They provide a solution to single parents on the go and seniors on a tight budget, Blackwell added. He already has customers signed on at the seniors' housing facilities, The Manor and The Cedars.
"I was shocked by the need," he said.
Blackwell aims to eventually start a full-kitchen, instructional facility in Squamish, modelled after the one in North Van. Blackwell is looking for donated freezers for the project, which he's dubbed "Closing the Circle."
For more information on Closing the Circle or to donate or get involved, email [email protected].
