Strong Fort Erie Neighbourhoods expanding free meal program

Strong Fort Erie Neighbourhoods (SFEN) is pleased to announce it is able to expand its free meal program, thanks to a commitment from a local organization.

The registered charity headquartered out of the St. Michael’s parish hall has been serving between 250 and 300 people on the second, third, and fourth Wednesdays of the month, as well as when there is a fifth one on the calendar.

Until now, the first week has been open.

But the Italo Canadian Club has committed to providing funds to offer a meal on the first Wednesday, SFEN’s Theresa Murphy told Fort Erie Radio over the weekend.

It’s a “great partnership,” she said, pointing that the Fort Erie Lions Club financially provides for the fifth week of the month, when that arises. The Lions also supply their own cooking team.

“We’re very grateful for that,” she said about the support from those groups.

During the remaining weeks, costs are mostly covered by SFEN’s bingo revenues.

People who visit on a weekly basis “are very happy to hear this news,” said Murphy, referring to the first Wednesday being added to the menu, starting in July.

“This is really bringing hope and more food security to our neighbourhoods,” said Murphy.

Meals are served between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. but the doors are open earlier for people who want to pop in for a coffee and a pastry, she said.

SFEN is also thankful for its own volunteers, as well as teams from St. Paul’s Anglican Church, St. Michael’s Catholic Church, and Bridges Community Health Centre, who each support the kitchen on designated weeks at the parish hall on Central Avenue, said Murphy.

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