26. What does Curtin’s company do?

A. It produces kitchen equipment.

B. It turns rotten arugula into clean fuel.

C. It helps local farmers grow fruits.

D. It makes meals out of unwanted food.

27. What does Curtin suggest people do?

A. Buy only what is needed.

B. Reduce food consumption.

C. Go shopping once a week.

D. Eat in restaurants less often.

C

The elderly residents (居民) in care homes in London are being given

hens to look after to stop them feeling lonely.

The project was dreamed up by a local charity (慈善组织) to reduce

loneliness and improve elderly people’s wellbeing. It is also being used to

help patients suffering dementia, a serious illness of the mind. Staff in care

homes have reported a reduction in the use of medicine where hens are in

use.

Among those taking part in the project is 80-year-old Ruth Xavier. She

said: “I used to keep hens when I was younger and had to prepare their

breakfast each morning before I went to school.

“I like the project a lot. I am down there in my wheelchair in the morning

letting the hens out and down there again at night to see they’ve gone to bed.

“It’s good to have a different focus. People have been bringing their

children in to see the hens and residents come and sit outside to watch them.

I’m enjoying the creative activities, and it feels great to have done something

useful.”

There are now 700 elderly people looking after hens in 20 care homes in

the North East, and the charity has been given financial support to roll it out

countrywide.

Wendy Wilson, extra care manager at 60 Penfold Street, one of the first

to embark on the project, said: “Residents really welcome the idea of the

project and the creative sessions. We are looking forward to the benefits and

fun the project can bring to people here.”

Lynn Lewis, director of Notting Hill Pathways, said: “We are happy to be

taking part in the project. It will really help connect our residents through a

shared interest and creative activities.”

28. What is the purpose of the project?

A. To ensure harmony in care homes.

B. To provide part-time jobs for the aged.