I’m standing in a busy, chaotic kitchen. The chef runs back and forth between a steamer, a grill and an oven. The grill messily drips fat on to the floor as pound and pounds of ground chicken cook. The garlic bread keeps getting burnt because no one knows how to work the timer. It’s 15 minutes until service and we’ve yet to cook the penne, finish the sauce or throw together a mixed green salad. It is madness. But I am intensely happy.
Today is my first day volunteering in the good food kitchen at the Regent Park Community Food Centre (RPCFC) and I am utterly in love. The team of volunteers and staff put out two healthy, complete, and perhaps most importantly, dignified meals each day. I’ve been here since 8am and we’ve already served a breakfast of bagels, eggs, sliced oranges and hot coffee to over 140 people. We are moments away from opening the doors to upward of 250 for lunch.
It is the middle of the month, and many of the people in this community who rely on social assistance will have spent their allowance and there are still many days ahead before the next cheque arrives. Outrageously, social assistance rates in Ontario barely cover the cost of housing in the expensive city of Toronto, therefore leave almost no money for food, clothing and the necessities of life. Regent Park is a social housing community that for decades has been home to low income families, new immigrants, and single parents. While it was designed in the 1950s with the best intentions, it has become until recently a neighbourhood that inspired little hope.
And yet hopeful is exactly what I feel while volunteering in this good food kitchen. Maybe that is because the RPCFC is not a food bank or a soup kitchen. The CFC model doesn’t create a one-way relationship where visitors receive handouts, but instead fosters an environment that develops self-esteem, social & physical health, and strong communities. In the words of the Community Food Centres Canada website:
“A Community Food Centre brings people together to grow, cook, share, and advocate for good food…CFCs are designed to meet immediate needs first as a precondition for being able to address more complex food-related needs…We recognize that people’s skills and goals are diverse, and that they do not want to be preached at or pushed. We believe in people’s abilities to take care of their own needs…We envision a Canada where everyone has the means and knowledge necessary to access good, healthy food in a dignified way. We envision a robust, diverse food economy that sustains farmers and the land, and a social consensus that food is a key determinant of health and a public good.”
In the weeks since my first day, I have chopped venison, assembled salads, and buttered more garlic bread than I ever thought possible. While I love being in the kitchen, my favourite job has been serving the clients. During each meal, the guests sit down at long, communal tables in the dining room while volunteers deliver trays of food to each individual. Serving gave me the opportunity to meet, albeit briefly, some of the RPCFC’s diverse clients. As in all mixed groups, there were those who were so friendly and polite, while others were rude or aggressive. During service, some people waited their turn while others waved, pointed or asked loudly to be served. For me, it was an ideal opportunity to practice loving compassion. I reminded myself that each person was an individual with their own story, their own stresses and their own cultural background. I mention this not to sound wholier-than-thou, but instead to highlight that it takes all kinds of people to make a diverse, vibrant community, and ample amounts of love, kindness, forgiveness, patience and respect to be a part of that community.
It has taken me a long time to understand that food is more than just a commodity, more than just an agricultural product, more than just a basic staple of life. Food is so much more. Food is a powerful community builder, a link to our environment, to our culture, to our history. Food is a source of joy.
This, in essence, is what I hope to explore here at the Global Locavore. Somedays I might be learning a forgotten homesteading technique like making cheese. Other times I’ll be devouring delicious, international cuisine in Toronto. But always I hope to touch on the deeply political, personal and important topics of hunger, health and food security. Our food choices influence the planet, the economy and our society. Through our food choices we can create the types of communities in which we we want to live. That’s the power of food. I believe this power can be a force for positive change. I am excited to explore the world through our connection to food. I hope you will join me on this journey. [bctt tweet=”Food is more than just a basic staple of life. Food is a source of joy.” username=”@globallocavore”]
What does good food mean to you? I can’t wait to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Now It’s Your Turn! Getting involved in a community initiative like a good food kitchen is probably easier than you think. Charities and community groups are always looking for volunteers, whether on a weekly basis or for a one-off event. Do your research to ensure you volunteer with a reputable organization and encourage your loved ones to join you.
I love your post! I have had the privilege of serving in the Bowery in New York City, and have been on many trips to feed the homeless. It still makes me happy to think about these trips. I had one gentleman give me a kiss because he needed a scarf and we were all out, but then I realized I had one of my husband’s old scarves on and gave it to him. Still makes me smile!! I’m from a very rural community, but I also try to always keep cash on me when I’m in any city so that I can give to homeless people. I try to put myself in their place and realize the desperation it must take to stand on a corner all day for some cash. Thanks again for the inspiration and reminder!
Melony recently posted…Refinishing a Bathtub
Hi Melony. It is so great to hear about your work in the community! I’m always inspired by the stories people share about their experience volunteering and serving. Thank you for reading.
“It has taken me a long time to understand that food is more than just a commodity, more than just an agricultural product, more than just a basic staple of life. Food is so much more. Food is a powerful community builder, a link to our environment, to our culture, to our history. Food is a source of joy.”
EXACTLY!
I am Vincentian and creating an place where the hungry can come and feel comfortable picking out food that they like and they can open in the worse of circumstance is such a big deal. Having meals where they feel welcome and at ease to bring theri kids is a huge deal.
So loving this post because this is what I do in my spare time. I help folks to the best of my ability. I never, ever talk about it. haha but how can I resist when someone else is participating in such important work.
Love your Blog. – Keep the groove.
Pam
Hi Pamela, thank you so much for commenting. It is wonderful to hear that you are active in your community and are working hard to help people in their times of need. You are absolutely right that having a safe, welcome place where families can share a meal together is so important. Keep up the good work!
Every time we gather there is food. It is the central point for every event. It is the opportunity to try something new whether you are the chef or the diner. It is what we all have in common and must do daily. Most of us like food…a little too much~
Cheers to you for your service and for practicing compassion.
debbie recently posted…TaDa! Link Party #3
You are absolutely right Debbie. Food is something that connects us all as we all interact with food daily. I think it is such a powerful, wonderful act to bring people together around a good meal. What do they say – sharing a meal is how strangers become friends (something to that effect!). Thank you for another lovely comment.
What a wonderful project, great to read your post. Food is very essential to us human beings, and not just for the nutrition it brings, but for the social aspect and the sharing, this is what makes us human beings. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Marjan. Thanks for visiting. I’m so glad you liked the post. I agree completely – there is something magical about bring people together around a meal and seeing the relationships that can be built. It is so wonderful to experience!