Healthy Food Buying Group: This activity is based on the Good Food Box model. The health ambassador works with seniors, people living on low income, group home residents and area residents suffering from various health and daily living issues including brain injury, on healthy food choices and group buying to make these choices economical.

Participants pay $5 per month to receive a basket of fresh fruits and vegetables, from familiar items to at least one "exotic" selection per month. The price of the basket is kept low through bulk buying, emphasis on seasonal produce, and some very shrewd shopping! The rest of the cost of each basket was initially covered by the Empowering Stroke Prevention Program; however, as it catches on and gains popularity, Stephanie has been able to secure funding to keep the program going into the future.

Trained volunteers sort the produce into baskets, and deliver them to those participants who cannot come to pick them up; the community's dietician also contributes recipes and pamphlets on healthy eating.

"Most people pick up their boxes, and a volunteer delivers the rest. We have more volunteers for the months to follow. We also get input from a dietitian. Each box had 12-15 fresh fruit and vegetable items, and the boxes were valued at $9 each. The looks and comments from the participants really proved the need for a program like this... 'I have enough food for the whole month now. When is the next one taking place? I have some friends who could really use a program like this.' Last month we included papayas for something interesting and different; this month it's avocados!"

The activity has kicked off a lot of discussion about healthy eating and the issue of stroke, among the volunteers as well as the participants. While delivering a basket, one volunteer found the recipient feeling unwell, complaining of sudden dizziness and numbness on one side of the face. The volunteer, recognizing the possible signs of stroke, called in medical assistance immediately.

Click here for more information on starting stroke prevention activities in your community.