A new lunch program created by a local non-profit support group is seeking to end isolation for residents inside a large east-end apartment complex at 2455 Rivard operated by the Windsor-Essex Community Housing Corporation.

Feeding Windsor has launched its second “lunch club” — a program designed to not only provide a regular daily healthy meal to those in need, but also create an atmosphere of community among residents who may otherwise remain isolated in their apartment for prolonged periods.

The building, also known as Fontainebleau Towers, is predominantly occupied by seniors.

In its first few weeks, the new lunch program is feeding 65 residents each day in a building that has 400 units.

“You can see the impact,” said Rodger Fordham, coordinator for Feeding Windsor. “We have people coming in and giving us thank you letters because they are so happy to have this in their building.

“You understand those who are homeless and what they go through, but people living in a building can feel isolation, too. Having a meal every day and sitting with 20 to 30 people creates a dynamic that changes that.”

In order to be a member of the lunch club, which serves a meal every Monday to Friday, one must be a resident of the building and pay a fee of $22 per month which works out to about $1 a day.

A variety of meals change every day to include a soup, stew, sandwiches or salad.

“We provide a full hot lunch,” Fordham said.

Feeding Windsor back in April launched its first lunch club in a notoriously troubled downtown community housing apartment building located at 920 Ouellette. The program remains successful at that location with a few dozen residents each day gathering together for lunch.

With the lunch club program now established in two community housing buildings, Feeding Windsor is already eyeing a possible third location, Fordham said.

More information about Feeding Windsor can be found online at feedingwindsor.ca or on Facebook.

dbattagello@postmedia.com