Tackling Food Insecurity

Across our city, more people than ever are facing food insecurity.

As the cost of living soars, individuals and families are economizing where they can—and food is often the first thing they cut back.

Paul Stewart, Cool Aid’s Food Services Manager, says, “Our clients are skipping meals because they can’t afford groceries. So the dinner we provide may be the only time they eat that day. But you don’t have to be living in supportive housing or a shelter to be struggling. Food insecurity impacts people outside of marginalized communities, too.”

Paul and his team prepare and serve more than 1,000 nutritious meals every day.

He says, “As a society, we must take food insecurity more seriously. Cool Aid has the expertise to meet the growing need, but our budget is stretched thin trying to keep up. An integrated strategy that includes local producers, health care, and organizations like Cool Aid is required to provide for those in need.”

Paul points out that once people’s basic needs of food and shelter are met, only then can they start to deal with homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges.

With supporters by our side, we built and outfitted a new kitchen in Crosstown. Thanks to a meal-service agreement with Bridge Street Pathways Shelter in Rock Bay, we had the revenue to bring on a chef and finally open the kitchen this June. “Innovative partnerships like this make great things happen in our community,” Paul explains.

In addition to supporting the Pathways partnership, the Crosstown kitchen provides meals for on-site residents. “Our cook knows people’s names, and brings everyone together to enjoy good food in a dignified way that makes them feel cared for,” Paul says.

Every dollar received by our food program is in capable hands. Paul says, “We squeeze creative, nourishing meals out of a limited budget. We’re so grateful for the community’s
support because every donation makes a difference in our clients’ lives.”

With Thanksgiving around the corner, Paul and his team are gearing up to make extra-special holiday meals. “The people who eat in our dining rooms might have sad memories of the holidays or maybe their families didn’t celebrate. So, we go out of our way to create a friendly atmosphere and help them build new memories. A delicious dinner shows folks
that they matter. Food is a big part of their healing.”