What started as the simple act of delivering hot food became a testament to keeping people from going hungry, as The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) Response Unit became a beacon of hope.

Krystal Thomson watched as the first 142 meals were delivered on April 3 to residents of three low-income housing sites in Sarnia.

The community and family services manager with The Salvation Army in Sarnia says the goal of the program is to create connections with families to get them the help they need.

“So many people are making impossible choices—do I feed my children, or do I pay rent? We want them to know they’re not alone,” she says.

In partnership with Lambton County, which operates the housing units, Salvation Army staff and volunteers now visit one location each Thursday evening, rotating through the three sites every month, serving dinner until all 200 available meals are distributed.

Beyond providing a nutritious hot meal, the outreach allows The Salvation Army to connect individuals with a range of local programs and services, including youth summer camps, school lunch programs, rent and utility assistance, medical and dental care, and assistance for hearing aids.

“We believe it’s a great opportunity to not just support these families and build relationships but also introduce ourselves, our services, and our church to this community,” says Sarnia corps officer Captain Brad Webster.

The meal delivery program began in May 2021 at Veterans’ Park and continued through October 2024. During that time, an average of 130 meals was distributed per visit. Following a reassessment, the deliveries to Veterans’ Park stopped, and the program was expanded to reach more people in more locations.

“This expansion helps us reach people who simply couldn’t make it to Veterans’ Park,” Krystal explains. “We’re hearing from single moms who say, ‘This would help my family, but I can’t get myself and my kids there.’ Now we’re meeting people where they live.”

In addition to the new Sarnia stops, the EDS vehicle also visits St. Paul’s United Church in Petrolia on the second and fourth Fridays of each month, serving about 40 individuals in need during the lunch hour.

Your ongoing support allows The Salvation Army to consistently provide caring and compassionate services to individuals and families, sustaining vital programs like the one in Sarnia. Donate today at www.SalvationArmy.ca or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.