Editor:
I have dear friends living their lives in long-term care at the Northern Haida Gwaii Hospital in Masset.
In recent visits I have seen a marked change in the evening meal; from food thoughtfully prepared in our fully-functional and staffed kitchen to food mass-produced by the Appetito Corp. in Ontario and then microwaved ("retherm") in our fully-functional and staffed kitchen.
My friends have lost something, a connection to humanity; the anticipation of a real toothsome meal to close their day and bring a smile. The dull sameness of this "retherm" meal is reflected in the ignored or barely touched plates left behind.
We know that food is not merely sustenance. Good food is a joy and an expression of caring and love. The importance of providing human connection through one of the few pleasures remaining to those in long-term care cannot be understated or denied.
Hippocrates said it best: "Let food be thy medicine and medicine by thy food."
Food is medicine. Those living in long-term care deserve treatment.
Andrew Neville
Masset