Mobile Food Outreach Program Provides 200 Meals a Week

Meals come to vulnerable community members through the Mobile Food Outreach program at The Salvation Army locations in Cobourg and Port Hope. The food delivery program started three years ago to meet the needs of individuals who are homeless, are unable to cook for themselves, or are precariously housed.

“Weekly we provide approximately 200 home cooked hot meals that are cooked and delivered by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers,” says Lisa Graham, Community and Family Services Manager with The Salvation Army in Port Hope. “This program gives us the opportunity to talk with people and learn about other needs we may be able to assist with.”

This assistance can include purchasing a new bed or work clothing, paying for bus fare, or aiding with rent payments or medical expenses.

“We also assist clients in so many other ways that cannot be counted, such as providing a listening ear, encouragement, support or a simple shoulder to cry on,” Lisa says.

John Carson knows firsthand the difference Community Mobile Outreach makes in the lives of people in the community. “This goes a long way and with the price of food it is fabulous. The meal does go a long way with me and helps me out. It does matter a lot,” John says.

Jim Alford, Community and Family Services Manager at Cobourg Community Church, says there are many residents in town in need of support who fall through the cracks.

“So many people are having a hard time economically, just trying to make ends meet. It just lifts them up a little bit and shows that people care,” Jim says. “They will come into the office to receive a meal and they are so grateful. They say things like, thank you so much for being here. It’s really nice to have something that can fill them up.”