Jaqueline, Merfat and Vanessa, pictured here with House of Friendship Family Outreach Worker Aline Smith, have been providing monthly meals for community members at the Chandler Mowat Community Centre.
A group of women who love cooking and community have joined together to provide meals for seniors and people living on their own in the Chandler Mowat neighbourhood.
Through a ‘Love My Hood’ grant from the City of Kitchener, and with support from House of Friendship and the Food Bank of Waterloo Region, just over 30 pre-cooked meals a month are handed out to individuals in need – a labour of love for Jacqueline, Merfat, and Vanessa, who get together monthly to cook for their neighbours.
“These women used to do cooking classes together at Chandler Mowat, and they came to me at the beginning of the pandemic, wanting to find ways to reach out and support their community,” said Aline Smith, a Community Development Worker with House of Friendship. “It just grew from there.”
“We get so many compliments about the food, and we just feel great about doing good,” said Vanessa. “and as a group, we are happy to work with each other, just to be here and help others.”
While the group is currently handing out the pre-cooked meals for individuals to reheat at home, they hope to be able to hold in-person meals this fall.
“When we can have everyone here together, it will be even better,” said Vanessa.
Posted on: September 23rd, 2022
