The Open Table: A Seat for All – Community Meal to Cultivate Belonging and Connection in Hanover
The Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board, in partnership with Sacred Heart High School’s Food/Nutrition class, is proud to announce the launch of The Open Table, a new community meal initiative designed to cultivate dignity, compassion, and belonging. The inaugural event will take place on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm at Holy Family Parish in Hanover.
The Open Table is more than just a meal; it is a welcoming space where everyone is invited; no exceptions. Whether individuals are navigating food insecurity, housing instability, loneliness, or simply seeking meaningful connection, they will find a place to be fed, filled, and seen.
“The Open Table is about more than hospitality; it’s about radical belonging,” states Karyn Bruneel, Director of Education. “When we sit and serve together, we begin to truly understand what it means to be a community.”
Rooted in the principle of “take what you need, give what you can,” The Open Table creates a shared environment where social and economic barriers are set aside. It is a unique gathering where strangers can become neighbours, and where those often overlooked are not just included, but deeply valued. This initiative aims to bring together a diverse cross-section of the community, including students, elders, families, neighbours in need, and anyone seeking genuine human connection. It reflects a broader vision to foster inclusive spaces where healing, wellness, and human dignity can flourish, one meal at a time.
“This is just the beginning,” adds Bruneel. “The Open Table is our foundational step toward a larger vision: where our spaces become beacons of hope and healing, actively supporting the well-being of our entire community.”
The Open Table is made possible through the generous support of the Norman Bethune Trust Fund. Their dedication to community well-being and student growth ensures that every guest is welcomed with care, and that participating students have invaluable opportunities to serve, learn, and lead.
