Food and water are the most basic of needs. When someone has access to fresh, homemade food that nourishes body and mind, everything else becomes possible.
In 2020, Dave and Karen, the founders of We Feed Lunenburg (WFL), spotted a gap – and a solution – in their own backyard. What began as sharing vegetables from their gardens has grown into a welcoming, respectful community hub. Today, the initiative not only provides nutritious food to people in need, but also creates a space that bridges generations, backgrounds and differences.
We Feed Lunenburg was born from two people wanting to make a difference, but its true strength lies in the collective. “It really takes very little to make a meaningful difference when it is a collective effort,” says Dave. While large donations and big gestures help build sustainability, it’s the cumulative efforts of many that power the pantry.
At its heart, WFL has a simple mission: make healthy food attainable, and treat every person with respect. Even so, Lori Keelty, secretary at WFL, said the organization is about more than food: “It’s about showing people they matter and that dignity shouldn’t depend on financial status. Caring for each other is part of who we are.” With nearly one third of Canadians struggling to meet basic expenses – and renters hit especially hard – the ability to pick up healthy food without stigma can mean the difference between surviving and thriving.
Lori recalled a moment when a young mom was excited about the bounty of freshly picked vegetables that would make great soup for her family, confirming that “when people have access to healthy food, it nourishes more than their bodies – it supports healthy minds, fosters hope and eases life’s burdens.”
Stephanie Balcome, executive director of Second Story Women’s Centre, sees the impact every day. “To have a low-barrier resource like WFL means people can access support with dignity,” she explains. “Clients tell us that to be able to choose what you prefer to eat, without having to ‘qualify,’ has reduced the stigma that once held them back.”
The initiative thrives on community contributions, large and small. Atilia Lantz of Hustle & Bustle Catering, who has herself experienced food insecurity, knows this firsthand: “It seems to have given some light and respect to food insecurity, and those in need are more likely to reach out. There are no words to describe the impact Karen and Dave have had.”
Volunteer Peggy Croft, a retired cook, relished the opportunity to “reignite my love and knowledge of food prep.” For her, batch cooking sessions are both powerful and fulfilling: “Like-minded and caring community members, joining together to make meals – it matters every single time.”
Fellow volunteer cook Teri-Lynn Dempsey, who also donates use of commercial kitchen space for batch cooking, shared that a recent batch cook led to 75 meals distributed within 48 hours, mostly to young families. Teri-Lynn added, however, that WFL isn’t “just about providing food; it’s about education and empowerment. They will even teach you how to grow your own food,” an approach that she notes “tackles the root of food insecurity.”
Various local food organizations, including Schoolhouse Gluten Free, the Shore Group and Highliner Foods, provide donations to WFL. Jen Laughlin from Schoolhouse noted, “I truly believe that most people in this community want to do things to help their neighbours. We Feed Lunenburg offers a direct way to make a difference.”
And for those with more to give, the impact can be transformational. Alicia and Lee, who run The Water Market, were early supporters of WFL and more recently donated land for a new hub that will expand WFL’s ability to provide food and strengthen connection during challenging times. Alicia asserts that “access to affordable, nutritious, sustainable food is a critical social determinant of health, and WFL allows the community to give what they can and take what they need.”
With the new community hub under development, local construction businesses have also rallied, with architects, project managers and local building supply firms donating their time and materials. Sherman Lake of Ironbound General Contracting, who stepped in when unexpected circumstances threatened delays, said, “Once we were aware of a request for assistance we didn’t hesitate to offer our service. Food insecurity touches every community and Lunenburg is no exception.”
That sense of shared responsibility is what makes We Feed Lunenburg unique. The model is simple and inclusive, providing multiple ways you can support, and each one matters.
Cook too much for Sunday lunch? Pack up the extra, and share it (food boxes are available at The Water Market). Got two zucchinis left in your garden or a couple of tins you won’t use? Drop them off.
Want to help cook? Join a batch session and meet new friends while preparing 200 meals together.
Short on time? Set up a small monthly donation — just $5 can create financial consistency for long-term planning.
Time on your hands? Volunteer at the hub to help distribute food
As more people struggle to meet basic needs, the reminder of our collective power has never been more important. We Feed Lunenburg shows us that the true meaning of community is people coming together to meet a growing need. In Dave’s words, “There’s a whole community out there that cares about you!”
To learn more about how you can be part of this community, www.wefeedlunenburg.org and their Facebook, Instagram and YouTube pages.
