New food delivery operation offers free groceries to seniors
While physical distancing is encouraged across Toronto, and stores have marked the floors to keep people apart, it still isn’t safe for many to visit the shops.
The elderly and vulnerable — being those with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems — are particularly at-risk if they contract COVID-19.
In order to keep those who are most at risk as safe as possible during this time, a new initiative has been launched to offer accessible, free groceries to those in need.
Operation Ramzieh is now live in Toronto, serving as a way for those who are struggling to stay fed while staying isolated.
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“They are our mothers, fathers, grandparents, and pillars of our communities. They cannot leave their homes to get the absolute essentials, and many of our elderly do not have the technological literacy needed to order the essentials online with ease,” reads the operation’s description online.
“What’s worse is that many of them do not have the funds necessary to accumulate extra resources for even a week. They need our support now more than ever.”
To help, the folks at DreamMind Group, which is behind Tequila Jacks and Orchid, in Toronto, is assembling grocery boxes that are being offered for free, via delivery, to those who are vulnerable.
DreamMind president, Abbis Mahmoud, personally contributed the first $40,000 to the project in order to offer it a kick-start.
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Named after Mahmoud’s mother, Operation Ramzieh is inspired by the way she fed others in their home country of Lebanon.
The team has purchased essential foods and necessities at cost, and the operation is volunteer-driven, with vehicles even being provided through the generosity of various companies and DreamMind.
With the help of health specialists, the team designed a plan that could assist others while reducing the risk of spreading infection. According to the website, the team wears gloves and masks, and minimizes contact during assembly of grocery boxes.
Food kits are delivered to the doorsteps of those in need, and include items such as:
- granola bars
- rice
- spaghetti
- tomato sauce
- bread
- beans
- vegetable soup
- carrots
- potatoes
- fruit
At this time, the operation has enough resources to feed approximately 1,200 people. At about $30 a box, food can be donated for about 10 days. But the operation wants to do more, and it’s appealing to those who are able to help for assistance.
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Anyone interested in contributing to the efforts of the organization can do so via the website. Further, anyone who is in need and would like to place an order for a grocery box can do so here.
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