North Hastings Community Cupboard restarted their soup kitchen on April 22nd and – while the demand has been great – they have been keeping up with the needs of the community.
The first day they served 19 people. At the time it might have been a daunting task for the newly formed crew, but it’s nothing compared to the 98 people that were served on May 14th.
During the soup kitchen’s first month at Club 580, 323 meals were served. We’re just over half-way through May and well over 800 meals have already been served. Communications Director Monica Piercey for the foodbank says they’re serving an average of nearly 60 people per day this month.
“We are having a hard time keeping up with some of the ‘staple’ items like potatoes and rice,” Piercy says. “Things like beef or chicken would be good to have on hand and of course, cash donations are welcomed as well.” She says United Way Hastings and Prince Edward have assisted the foodbank in getting large donations from places like Nestle. If you want to donate, you can do so by going to Club 580, the foodbank’s office at 2 Madawaska Street or donating online.
The meals change from day-to-day, but recently Piercy says they’ve started adding a piece of fresh fruit to the bag handed out to clients. She says they’re planning on doing more starting next week when they will begin baking. “We want to create some really healthy muffins and oatmeal cookies with a lot of nutrition in them,” she explains. Piercy says that for some who come up to the window at Club 580 to order, they may be leaving with their only meal of the day so it’s important that they leave with something to eat now and something they can save for later.
While the demand has steadily increased, the volunteers – and the community – have been ready to meet that demand. “We’re doing quite well with volunteers at both the foodbank and at Club 580,” Piercy says. She adds that they have an “abundance” of volunteers, including enough cooks with safe food handling certification to lead the team every day. Piercy mentions Yummy Dog, The Muse Gallery & Cafe, St. John’s Anglican Church Kitchen Angels, the foodbank’s “Blue Beard” Bill and Marsha Depotier, and all the volunteers.
Thanks to funding from Hastings County, the foodbank was able to bring on The Muse as the part-time coordinator for the soup kitchen.
The soup kitchen runs from 4 PM until 7 Monday through Friday and 11 AM until 2 PM on the weekend.