A nonprofit in the heart of Dartmouth’s north end is providing a hot holiday meal to hundreds of people in need.
The North Grove is dishing out 400lbs of turkey, 100lbs of yam and 150lbs of vegetables, Monday and Tuesday- expecting to feed about 500 people over two days.
It is not the only organization in the city that is serving free turkey dinners through the holidays, but they feel what sets them apart, is the atmosphere.
Executive Director, Wendy Fraser tells us, a gathering like this is, is not just about providing a hearty dish.
“A lot of the work we do is about improving food security. But really, at the end of the day, what it’s about, is improving social connection.”
Fraser says, living in poverty can be very isolating, with a lot of people in the area who live alone.
“About 90 per cent of the people in the community live in apartments…and 50 per cent of them live alone. Social isolation, you know, is actually even a health detriment.”
Restaurant style
The North Grove has a very large, open space to dine in.
Fraser says, other organizations serve their free meals in more a “soup kitchen” format, and although that is very valuable, it’s a little different than what The North Grove chooses to do.
“People can come and they’re sat restaurant style, they’re served restaurant style…it feels really different. If I want to get together with my friends, I can go out for a bit to eat. This isn’t available to people who live in poverty.”
By coming to the North Grove, she says they get all the connections with their friends and community in addition to a wholesome meal.
Joyful event
The North Grove has about 160 volunteers, with more than 50 who will participate in these holiday meals.
Prepping began last week, and work will continue to make the event as “joyful” as they can including taking holiday photos.
“We do everything to make sure that this is a special event. And it really is. I started in December when I first started working here, a long time ago, and it’s my favorite month. It’s a hub of activity. There’s a real sense of joy and energy in the air. We’re glad to be a part of it.”
The meals are served Monday from 4:30-5:30 p.m., 6-7 p.m., then again Tuesday from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. and 12:30-1:30 p.m.
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