Seniors in Food Crisis always growing and expanding services

Emily Stewart, Echo Correspondent

Jayna Leroux-Hendren, founder of Seniors in Food Crisis, said the initiative has grown beyond her expectations since starting it about three and a half years ago.

"I thought we'd help a few people. Never thought it would become my life,” she said.

Seniors in Food Crisis helps out Oxford County seniors 50-years-old or older facing food insecurity either through delivery or pick-up service free-of-charge. Many of the seniors served are housebound for a variety of reasons including but not limited to illness and cannot leave the house.

"They can't get to places like the food bank or Cycles of Life or places like that,” said Leroux-Hendren.

Seniors in Food Crisis serves all of Oxford County and has helped those in Woodstock, Ingersoll, Tillsonburg, Innerkip, and Tavistock. The Facebook group has more than 2,000 members and there are additional seniors not on Facebook who call the organization. The items are either requested or posted to let seniors know what is available.

The organization provides more than food, and have provided hearing aids, wheelchairs, and walkers to clients, as well as helped those moving into an apartment find what they need to start fresh.

There’s also a Facebook group auctioning items that are donated to Seniors in Food Crisis with bids starting at around $3 or $5. When Seniors in Crisis first started, it was Leroux-Hendren and a few other volunteers. Now, there are up to 15 regular volunteers packing bags and delivering them to seniors.

"It's just grown beyond what I could have imagined,” she said.

Leroux-Hendren encourages anyone looking to help Seniors in Food Crisis to host get togethers where everyone brings an item to support seniors in need.

"I had a girl who was getting together with the girls that were just getting together for dinner and stuff and she said 'Hey, can everyone bring some cereal,' and she ended up with 21 boxes of cereal for me, so it can be that small,” she said.

She’s also open to public speaking and spoke at churches, women’s groups, and other organizations.

"If people want me to come out and speak to their groups, I can do that and I usually make at least one great connection from when I go out and speak,” Leroux-Hendren said.

More information can be found by either joining the Seniors in Food Crisis Oxford County group on Facebook or by calling 519-532-2691.