The Saturday lunch program provided by Centre 440 Hawkesbury has reached a significant milestone, serving 1,500 meals in just 22 weeks since launching in mid-November. Hosted at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church Hall on Stanley Street, Centre 440 has welcomed anyone seeking a hot meal each week, serving vulnerable and low-income individuals.

The program is led by executives Penny Male-Kallio, Carolyn Coffin-Caputo, and Ron Kallio, who say the rapid growth reflects both the scale of need in the community and the success of a food rescue model built on partnerships and volunteer support.

“When we opened in mid-November, we knew the need existed, but reaching 1,500 meals this quickly was not on our initial radar,” the executive team said. “The growth has outpaced our projections and confirms that the Saturday lunch program is filling a vital gap in Hawkesbury.”

The program operates weekly, providing hot meals made largely from surplus food redirected from local partners. The milestone, they say, represents more than just numbers.

“For us, 1,500 isn’t just a number. It represents 1,500 moments of connection and nourishment. It proves the food rescue model works and shows that redirecting surplus food can create a high-impact, low-waste solution to local food insecurity,” the executives said.

Feedback on the program has been humbling, they said. “Beyond the appreciation for the food itself, people often mention the sense of dignity and welcome they feel. We hear from seniors who enjoy the social aspect, and families who find that these meals provide much-needed breathing room in their weekly budgets.”

While the hot meals draw people in, the program has also become a point of access for broader support services, with the executive team saying they act as “a soft entry point.”

“As an example, the community has stepped up to help support people experiencing homelessness by providing haircuts and shower vouchers, in addition to generous donations of high-quality dog and cat food for pets. A free income tax clinic is also scheduled for April 25,” the executive team said.

Maintaining a steady supply of rescued food has presented logistical challenges, though participation from partners continues to grow.

“Our partnership with the Second Harvest food-rescue network has been a game-changer,” the executive team said, noting regular pickups from Foodland in Vankleek Hill. “The challenge is often processing a high volume and wide variety of ingredients, but our team has become very adept at turning whatever we receive into nutritious meals.”

The program continues to rely heavily on volunteers, whose numbers and roles have expanded since launch.

“We’ve had to adapt by creating more specialized roles, from food rescue logistics to hospitality,” they said.

Looking ahead, Centre 440 says its priority is maintaining the weekly program while building long-term sustainability.

“Our model is built on the strength of community assets: dedicated volunteers and surplus food that would otherwise go to waste. Our next step is securing consistent fundraising streams to ensure this mission remains a permanent fixture in Hawkesbury,” the executive team said.

Organizers are also encouraging broader community engagement as the need continues to grow, saying, “We hope people see Centre 440 not just as a soup kitchen, but as a collective effort to care for our neighbours. Whether through volunteering or simply stopping by, every bit of engagement helps us stay rooted in the community.”