With limited cooks, Barrie Bayside Mission Centre’s Kitchen continues to support those in need

Although the number of cooks has decreased, The Salvation Army Barrie Bayside Mission Centre’s dedicated team continues to make meals for the community’s most vulnerable.

More than 400 meals a day are still being freshly prepared to help feed the community, all without the use of kitchen volunteers because of COVID-19 restrictions.

“In 2020 we prepared over 122,000 meals. This was an increase of over 20,000 from the previous year,” said Stephanie Watkinson, Executive Director of the Barrie Bayside Mission Centre.

“I believe that the increase is from individuals that are not chronically homeless but are balancing high cost of rent and can’t afford much else. There has also been a huge increase in the homelessness population in the community.”

The two cooks in the kitchen have managed to keep up with lunch and dinner meal preparation seven days a week, with staff and male residents picking up a pan or a knife to help.

“This help from staff and the male residents solidifies the commitment from everyone,” said Watkinson.

Prior to the pandemic, the Mission’s capacity was 48, a number that was reduced 32 to meet social distancing rules.

“The pressure on the cooks over the last year has doubled, but we’ve got a great team that put every ounce of effort into preparing a good meal,” Watkinson said. “This team has risen to the occasion and is the backbone to our services. They do a tremendous job and I’m very grateful for their dedication to support our community’s most vulnerable.”

In a “normal” year, anywhere between four to 10 volunteers would assist with meal preparation to support the cooks in making 150 meals at lunch and another 250 for dinner.

“All meals are packaged with utensils, snacks and drinks in a take-out container.  All food is ordered fresh and we don’t use traditional food bank items,” Watkinson explained.

She said most clients using the Mission’s meal program are single individuals or couples. The number of families has not increased noticeably, as they tend to have more financial support available.

All meals are handed out at the Mission’s door, with social distancing rules in place. Staff are masked and wear face shields and meal recipients are required to wear face masks to ensure everyone is kept safe.

Watkinson said while people are not able to volunteer their time, those that wish to help can still support the Mission with financial donations or they can drop off fresh food items.

“This is especially helpful during the growing season when people have extra food from their garden.”

The Bayside Mission Centre is located at 16 Bayfield Street in Barrie.

To provide financial support to The Salvation Army, donations can be made online at www.salvationarmy.ca or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY, where donations can also be directed to a specific program or location.

By Chris McGregor