Outreach Luncheon

In February, we ended up serving meals on three Fridays instead of four.  Another group in the St. Thomas Food Providers Network (STFPN) had been planning a spaghetti dinner since November and they stepped in to do it.  For a number of reasons this meal had to be cancelled a couple of times prior to Christmas and so Feb. 11^th was an agreed upon date for them.  The STFPN is working hard to avoid duplication of efforts and costs.  As one of the coordinators of this group I was happy to lead by example. 

One of the things we are trying to do is to have each group of volunteers prepare the same meal each month.  This allows our volunteers to become familiar with a recipe and the process of getting it ready in the time set aside.  So, like most families repeat meals over a period of a couple of months, we are doing that for those eating on a Friday from the Nameless.  In February we served Turkey Scallop, Savory Baked Spaghetti and sausages, baked beans and coleslaw.  When we get donations from Harvest Hands, we are able to adapt our menu choices so we don’t need to purchase as much. 

We continue to supplement meals with other treats/necessities.  In February we made chocolate cupcakes a couple of times to go with the main meal.  We also included water, fresh fruit, cookies, pudding, yogurt, fruit cups and even masks when we have them.   The vast majority of these extras come from Harvest Hands.   At the beginning of the month, we were also able to purchase 50 pairs of gloves for just over $30 including tax.  These were given out as well. 

So, in February $437.43 was spent with approximately $120.00 of that was spent on containers in which to put the food.   We were very lucky in January to have some left over from our Christmas project but we are slowly coming to an end of those.  Containers are expensive.   

Some meal ingredients for March were also purchased in February.  I am watching sales and trying to do the best we can do with our grocery purchases.

I am very grateful for the support and encouragement received after January’s Update.  Thank you to those who reached out.  I know that your prayers are helping us tremendously.  Please keep them coming.  The additional financial donations don’t hurt either!  As a reminder you can help or get involved by:

• Volunteering to help with the preparation of meals
• Be a part of the crew who delivers the meals to The Nameless
• Donate to our funds through the parish collections by labeling your cheque or e transfer “Holy Angels Outreach” (We are missing our funds from the coin jar at the back of the church!)
• Suggest easy nutritious meals that are easy to prepare, easy to put into disposable containers and easy to eat.
• Continue to pray for us and those we serve
• Encourage others family members, friends and parishioners to think of those in need and offer their prayers for them.

Thanks for your support and encouragement.