By Adam Frisk Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Local non-profit SIRCH Community Services marked a major milestone on Monday (June 29), as its kitchen program reached 100,000 meals prepared and served to the community.
The community kitchen program in Haliburton village, which serves people facing food insecurity, individuals experiencing housing instability, financial difficulties, isolation, health issues and other circumstances, has seen demand skyrocket in recent years.
“In 2019 we were making about 300 meals a month,” said Gena Robertson, founding executive director of SIRCH.
“Then COVID hit and the need grew dramatically… We didn’t have the staff or the funding to meet that need alone.”
Robertson credited the achievement to a massive wave of grassroots support, noting that volunteers, donors, local businesses, and community partners all stepped forward to fill the gap.
Today, the program prepares 1,750 meals every month. The food is distributed through a collaborative network of 14 local community organizations.
Supporters, volunteers, and partners gathered at the bistro this week to reflect on the milestone and speak about the ongoing importance of supporting vulnerable neighbours with dignity and compassion.
