Stories

Future Intended: Some food for thought

Virginia Woolf wrote, “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” We agree that good healthy food is essential for physical and mental health and well-being. From tackling hunger to providing job training opportunities, here’s a selection of programs we support that revolve around food as a way to bring positive change to people’s lives.

The knowledge and skills for preparing healthy meals can be life-changing. Come to the Table empowers clients at King’s Way Outreach Centre to create healthy nutrient-dense meals. It also provides training on proper food handling and how to cook with limited food options.

A recent grant from the Edith H. Turner Fund will help expand the Food4Kids Weekends without Hunger program to three high schools in Hamilton. Consistency of weekend food access has a significant impact on physical and mental health of students and academic development. The program, already a success in elementary schools, helps to increase the chances for all students to succeed.

Buy one, give one — that’s the idea behind the Mealshare model. Mealshare teams up with local restaurants and one dollar from every order of designated menu items is donated to local charities that tackle youth hunger. Mealshare is partnering with Kiwanis Boys and Girls Club and makes its way to Hamilton this summer.

Vulnerable community members including youth and newcomers are getting a great start at First Start Café, a new social enterprise at Wesley Urban Ministries. The food service training program provides employment-related supports and career-development services. Clients learn independence and coping skills while increasing their chances for finding employment afterwards.

Food for Thought builds on existing programs and resources at YWCA to empower women to succeed. The program works with the YWCA Employment Centre and At the Table Café social enterprise, to engage more than 60 women experiencing homelessness and other barriers. Among other things, the program increases food security, helps builds self-esteem, enhances employability, and provides leadership and life skills.

Future Intended is an ongoing series that spotlights some of our most recent granting in categories like physical activity, Indigenous communities, literacy, the environment and more.