Here we are again heading into Fall and 2024 with a somewhat bleak outlook when it comes to food prices. Back by popular demand, St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Southampton is preparing to continue with the Community Suppers that have become so important to many in the community.
Looking back at 2006, staggering statistics were published indicating that several hundred thousand people visited food banks in Ontario every week. Now, in 2023, those numbers have risen dramatically and, according to reports, it’s not looking much better for 2024 as grocery prices continue to climb.
It was also in 2006 however, that Anne and Doug Goar of Southampton retired and decided to do something to alleviate the nutritional need in the community and came up with the idea of holding a ‘community supper’. They took the idea to St. Paul’s Anglican Church and the Church Council agreed to support a pilot project.
The following year, 2007, five churches each donated $100 and also promised they would donate more as the need arose. The most remarkable thing occurred however. The generous admission by donations paid the expenses of the meals, and it was never necessary to ask for more financial support. The key to its success was not only the admission by donation that helped offset the food costs but also the volunteers who came on board. That first season, more than 70 people volunteered!
The menu for those first three years consisted of soup, sandwiches and dessert and then, seeing the need, the program upgraded to include full delicious hot meals such as chili, spaghetti, salmon loaf, ham and scalloped potatoes, turkey, pulled pork, etc.
That was history – and now, we are entering our 14th season! Average attendance has risen from 25 in 2007 to more than 80 last year, with as many as 102 people being served at a single supper. The volunteers helped to prepare and serve 168 suppers and a rough estimate indicates that over 8,100 people have been served.
While answering the nutritional needs in the community, it also became evident that the Community Suppers meet a social need through providing an opportunity for people living alone to get together with neighbours and friends for a simple meal and fellowship.
Approximately 55 volunteers assisted each year on four teams, but there are 19 “charter volunteers” who have been with Community Suppers since its inception. Additional volunteers are ALWAYS needed – it takes a whole community to do this.
Now, heading into 2024 with some dire grocery projections, Community Suppers will be needed more than ever but they cannot go ahead without volunteers who are willing to spend only a few hours throughout the year to help others in the community.
As a volunteer team member, you would assist on only three or four days throughout the year with two to three hours on each of those days to help prepare and serve the meals. So, that’s only 9 – 12 hours for the year.
Last year, approximately 65 volunteers assisted on four teams. With overwhelming numbers now approaching food banks for help, we are faced this year with increasing food costs and an increasing need for food support. With the support of the community, it is hoped that we can begin community suppers in October and run through what may be a difficult winter until mid-May, 2024.
However, additional volunteers are ALWAYS needed and, just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a whole community to help out others.
It’s because of the generosity of the community, that Southampton Community Suppers have been able to donate to other needy organizations and events, including the Salvation Army food bank, Red Cross, Ride to Conquer Cancer, Horn of Africa Drought and Famine Relief, the Saugeen Shores Refugee Fund, Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation, World Vision, and G.C. Huston Breakfast Club.
Last year, we were also able to pay for 13 volunteers to become trained in Food Safety through the Grey Bruce Health Unit.
“We are happy to have been able to share from our abundance to help others. Involvement has moved from church-funded to full community support and, as long as there are able bodies to lend a helping hand, and with the generosity of the community, we know that this important endeavour can continue,” says organizer, Doug Goar.
“Now, in 2023 as we head into Fall, we are about to begin a new season of two suppers a month taking place on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays for a total of 15 suppers. However, more volunteers are needed to take the place of those who have retired, and one more team leader is also needed to lead a team.
We need the support of the community and it is our hope that five teams will be set up so that, as a team member, you would only help out on 3 days between October and May, with a minimal time commitment of 2-3 hours for each of the three days throughout the year.
All of our gifts come from God, and we are happy to have been able to share from our abundance to help others,” says Goar. “Continue to come to the banquet! God does provide, but we cannot do this without you – the community.”
If you would like to volunteer for only a few hours and help the community at these suppers, please call Doug Goar at 519-270-1647.
