Monthly lunch at St. Paul’s Church a ‘rewarding experience’ for students
February 21, 2025 at 4:04 AM
A group of students have been serving needy people in the community for close to 10 years, a partnership between Greater Fort Erie Secondary School (GFESS)’s culinary program and St. Paul’s Anglican Church.
It’s called Idylewylde Community Lunch and takes place the second Saturday of each month from around the start of the school year until late winter.
The program was established before GFESS opened and its earliest years took place with students from the now-closed Fort Erie Secondary School.
Students and teachers behind the monthly Idlewylde Community Lunch at St. Paul’s Anglican Church. Credit: Afshin KeyvaniTeacher Afshin Keyvani said at least four students from GFESS are involved each lunch, along with two from Garrison Road Public School, and a handful between Stamford Collegiate in Niagara Falls and St. Joseph in Port Colborne.
It’s a lesson in providing a meal service for a large group of people, such as what takes place at the Pomegranate Restaurant at GFESS, but also an eye opener to the struggles vulnerable people in town are facing.
One of those students who helps prepare and serve the food is Gabrielle Cudmore.
“I feel fortunate for everything I have, so to be able to give back to the community is a rewarding experience,” the Grade 11 student said in an interview with Fort Erie Radio.
It’s a chance to “learn so much about the issues surrounding your community,” she said, adding that anyone who gets involved in helping with the monthly event will “benefit a lot.”
Keyvani said that between 50 and 80 people have been coming out to the monthly lunch.
He reiterated the importance of teaching students to be compassionate and caring of others.
“It’s about showing them what a good citizen does,” said Keyvani.
Lococo’s in Niagara Falls donates vegetables each month and BunGiorno Bakery on Garrison Road provides bread.
“We are fortunate to have people in the community donating,” said Keyvani.
Some of the meals this year have included pork tenderloin, chili, cabbage rolls, and pasta and meatballs.
Costs of the lunch are covered by the church but students and GFESS staff are responsible for preparing the food.
Anyone interested in donating to the cause can contact the church at (905) 871-6704.
The program runs until late May, said Keyvani.
March 8 will be the next event from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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About The Author
Kris Dubé
Kris is a veteran journalist who has worked in Niagara for close to 20 years. He is also a lifelong resident of Fort Erie, a place he plans to call home and raise his family for many more years.
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