Many Hands Resource Centre is bringing back a popular cooking program as well as introducing a new initiative to complement its food bank service.
The agency’s community kitchen program is returning starting at the end of the month. The classes will resume Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the kitchen space in the Morden Alliance Church. The ongoing schedule will be every second and last Tuesday of the month.
The program teaches participants how to prepare a variety of budget-friendly meals, and Many Hands saw a need for it again.
“It’s something that has become even more essential with the rising grocery prices,” said executive director Mariyam Tsygankova.
“I always say that this program is about more than just cooking, it’s about connection,” she added. “That’s one of my favorite things about the program. People share so much more than just recipes here. They share their experiences, challenges, their hopes.
“I remember one newcomer who had just arrived asking another newcomer, who had been in the area for a while, questions like when does it get better? When will I feel more settled? They cried together; they loved and supported each other,” recalled Tsygankova.
“So moments like that show how powerful a shared meal can be. It always brings people together. Food always brings people together … it created a sense of belonging and reminds them that they are not alone.
“You also meet people who are experienced in cooking, so we can share knowledge and learn from each other,” Tsygankova added.
Many Hands also recently started a weekly soup kitchen, which was an idea that arose during one of the monthly community meals where there was discussion about the need for more support.
It started about a month ago, and Tsygankova feels like the initiative has really been appreciated.
She noted people can only come for a food bank hamper twice a month, so those in need are now able to come for a warm bowl of soup when it’s not their turn for a food hamper.
“People seem appreciative, and I think it’s a wonderful initiative, and we are so thankful for the help that has made it happen,” said Tsygankova. “We reached out to local churches with commercial kitchens to see if we could offer a weekly soup meal on food bank days, and several churches agreed to help.
“The response has been incredible,” she added. “We have partnered with Westside Church, whose volunteers have been absolutely wonderful, but we are also looking for any additional partnerships or organization that has a commercial kitchen and would be willing to support this initiative.
“It’s a simple but meaningful way to provide warm nourishment and a sense of community to those who need it, especially in the winter months.”
The soup kitchen takes place at the 500 Stephen community centre every Wednesday from noon to four p.m.
