Thunder Bay church fights social isolation with a free meal

A church in Rosslyn, Ont., has started holding bi-weekly lunches for those who seldom get invited to lunch.

Pinegrove United Church launched Cafe del Soul on Thursday, a free meal and social event for people who lack social support or community.

The menu for the inauguralevent included soup, pulled pork sandwiches, and an array of desserts and veggie and cheese plates.

"We're having a very positive event," said outreach coordinator Wendy O'Connor.

"We're engaging the local arts and music community. We will have guest speakers. We'll have local musicians to entertain us while we wait for lunch to be served. Today we have local art on the walls from two young artists in Slate River," O'Connor said.

"And then of course there's the food," she added. "It's around food that people usually have positive social experiences, so we're hoping a community will grow here where no community existed before."

Volunteer Gene Kolisnyk is already a seasoned cook, having volunteered in the kitchens of Shelter House and Grace Place.

"We have a good-looking soup,that's turkey based with potatoes and vegetables,and it's coming out not too bad. It's our first attempt, and we're really excited about it," he said.

Kolisnyk worked in the mental health field before his retirement and said he's seen the benefits of providing nutritious meals to people who are marginalized.

He said he hopes people will offer feedback on the meal so volunteers can cook an even better one for the next event.

The church is offering rides to the cafe for people who don't have vehicles.

O'Connor said she hopes guests will find a sense of community, new friendships, and the knowledge that there's a place where they are welcome.