Kitchener Mobile Meal Service Provides Community to Those in Need

A pandemic such as COVID-19, plus the challenges of poverty, equals disaster but has shown us the extraordinary value of partnerships, community and coming together. The Salvation Army in Kitchener, Ont., delivered food and practical items to their community, working with a local support group to ensure that those affected by the outbreak get the support they need.

“The Salvation Army provides meals on Sundays at lunch,” says Susanne Guenther, community and family services manager in Kitchener-Waterloo. “You see the relief and hear gratitude from people with little to no income.” Downtown near city hall is where many people experiencing homelessness and poverty gather.

“You see the relief and hear gratitude from people with little to no income”

Susanne says various response efforts are in place, including emergency food hampers.  The Salvation Army has also offered its mobilized meal services to feed vulnerable members of their community.

“We provide a hot lunch, new clothing, and our volunteers are forging relationships with the regulars,” says Susanne.

With the help of compassionate and dedicated volunteers and the city’s family and community services, The Salvation Army has served between 70-80 people for lunch each weekend. Everyone is peacefully respecting the social distance guidelines. While serving, Susanne has received many requests for prayer and people are grateful for their listening ear.

“We are serving those who have never looked to us for these services before”

“There are only three food banks in our city right now, so we are serving those who have never looked to us for these services before,” says Susanne. “It is such a blessing to be helping people in this uncertain time.”

The Salvation Army continues to provide essential services across Canada. To donate, visit SalvationArmy.ca or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

By Sharifa Campbell-Hogg