Salvation Army Breakfast Program Serves Hundreds Daily

Since 1991, The Salvation Army in Peterborough, Ont., has operated a breakfast program that provides meals to individuals facing food insecurity. While the initiative has evolved, today, they serve meals daily to 600 guests each week.

“In the early days, we served breakfast three days per week, but now we have increased it to five,” Major Naomi Dalley, leader at The Salvation Army in Peterborough, explains.

Three days per week, staff and volunteers running the program hand out hot meals. The other two days, it’s more of a continental breakfast.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the program now operates from a serving window.

“It’s similar to serving off a food truck,” Major Dalley says

Rise in Demand

Over the years, demand for this program has risen steadily. The state of the economy played a role in that increase. The majority of guests who receive breakfast are people experiencing homelessness. 

“I think the mental health crisis has caused homelessness and instability to rise. Many of our guests deal with complex situations such as mental illness, addiction and financial concerns,” Major Dalley adds.

In addition, Major Dalley says they have noticed that an increased number of children are accessing the breakfast.

“We have begun to create special packages for children, with appropriate snacks for them and items they can take to school.”

Building Connections

Despite the short interaction time between staff and guests, close relationships have developed over time. Billi Balment, community ministries manager, says many of the clients know the volunteers who serve them by name.

“Our interactions are genuine. When we go out to the line and start casually conversing with the guests, they are happy to talk to us and let us know what is going on in their lives. We are on a name-by-name basis,” Billi shares.

“People are genuinely grateful. They feel seen and the message we consistently hear is that for them it is nice to know The Salvation Army cares,” Major Dalley adds.

Team Community Effort

The breakfast program is possible thanks to the community’s support. Their assistance has facilitated the operation for over three decades. Volunteers are crucial to the program and donors ensure there is always enough food for guests.

“If it weren’t for our volunteers, we would not be able to do this,” Major Naomi says. “Donations are always welcome as well. We’ve had specific fundraisers, such as the annual Beal family concert, which started in memory of Lloyd Beal, who previously volunteered for the breakfast program. In the last couple of years, those concerts have raised $20,000.”

As food prices and poverty continue to rise, The Salvation Army in Peterborough will continue to serve daily breakfasts to those in need.

“Having a healthy, hearty breakfast is a necessity,” Major Dalley explains. “You need to meet someone’s basic needs before anything else and with the help of our volunteers and donors, that is exactly what we are doing.”

By Juan Romero