New Mobile Feeding Program Serves Breakfast and Encouragement
The Salvation Army in Nanaimo, B.C., has made an effort to expand its services in several ways to meet growing local demand. One of its newest initiatives is a mobile feeding program that offers more than just a meal.
“We have tried to feed the street community for years and that assistance has taken different forms,” says Bern Muller, executive director at Nanaimo’s Centre of Hope. “We put our heads together and determined breakfast was probably the most important meal for people to start their day.”
“They get some encouragement, a bit of positivity.”
Due to a complete overhaul of The Salvation Army’s building in Nanaimo, the team had to adapt the way meals were distributed. As a result, the mobile feeding program was launched.
Using an Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) truck provided by the Army in B.C., volunteers and staff hand out 65 breakfasts daily, five days a week.
Thanks to support from donors and BC Housing, the team can produce up to 100 meals per day.
The trucks are equipped with a working kitchen and coolers, allowing staff and volunteers to store and serve meals safely.
“The van has a pass-through window and a metal counter that adds dignity to the way the meals are handed out,” Bern says.
Aside from food, which includes sandwiches, fruit, pancakes and coffee, the outreach team also provides blankets, socks and coats to offer comfort when needed. The interaction also allows for spiritual support for those who wish to talk further.
So far, the initiative has shown success.
“I’ve been on the truck myself a couple of times. It has been well received. It’s appreciated. People are courteous, they wait patiently and they have expressed gratitude,” Bern shares.
This program comes at a much-needed time in Nanaimo. According to Bern, food and housing insecurity have grown locally, much like in the rest of the country. However, he believes the feeding program is already making a difference.
“Human connection is so critically important.”
“What we have found really significant is that when people start the morning with a cup of coffee, they get some encouragement, a bit of positivity.”
As the initiative grows, so will the number of guests accessing the service. For this reason, volunteering is crucial to its operation.
“We need volunteers; there’s always room for more people to get involved. Human connection is so critically important,” Bern says. “We would love for the community to come participate and experience how rewarding it is.”
By Juan Romero
