The Warm Welcome Kitchen has been very well supported since it started serving hot meals to the public.
The kitchen opened for the first time on Nov. 14, with a commitment to be open for two months. A healthy meal is served on Tuesday nights at the Salvation Army and Thursday nights at St. Paul’s United Church, starting at 5:30 p.m.
Christine Farquhar, who is the kitchen’s co-ordinator, said the kitchen has had an excellent turnout, and it has surpassed the 50-person mark for the last three nights it has been open.
“We have some people who come both nights, but we’re seeing different people both nights,” said Farquhar. “Some people come on Tuesdays, and different people come on Thursdays.”
She estimates the kitchen is serving 80 to 100 different people every week.
The attendance has surpassed expectations, but Farquhar said the cost of living is high and food is expensive, so she isn’t too surprised with the turnout.
“To be able to get a couple of meals, and good meals, is a real godsend for a lot of people, especially now that Christmas is coming,” said Farquhar. “Money is tighter, and we serve good meals.”
A fresh salad and vegetables are served with the meal. It’s not just meat and potatoes, she said.
Chicken and rice, pasta, pulled pork, sweet and sour meatballs, roast beef and other meals have been served since the kitchen opened.
“If somebody has an idea on something, I’d certainly look at it as well,” said Farquhar. “Hopefully in the new year we’ll get some different ethnic foods in as well.”
The kitchen will continue to operate with its Tuesday and Thursday schedule over the Christmas holidays. The one change is that the supper on Dec. 26 will be served at St. Paul’s United Church.
The kitchen has volunteers lined up for the meals on Dec. 26 and 28, but she said volunteers are always needed.
“I’ve got a good core group of volunteers who come in and help me with the cooking and everything, but even if you want to come and enjoy supper, and then stay help me clean up at the end, it’s always appreciated,” she said.
The Pathfinders, the Estevan Comprehensive School’s Random Acts of Kindness club and people from Trinity Lutheran Church have volunteered at the kitchen. Some other groups are also lined up to help out before the end of the winter.
While some food has been donated, including the roast beef that was served on Tuesday, Farquhar said most is purchased by the Warm Welcome Kitchen. It costs about $3 to $3.50 per plate. The donation of the roast made a big difference, she said.
When the kitchen started in November, the board planned to operate it for two months, and then decide whether to continue it for the rest of the winter. But thanks to the demand thus far, the board decided earlier this month that the kitchen would remain open until the end of March.
People who have attended the suppers have raved about the experience, she said. They have enjoyed the food, but it’s not just an “eat and leave;” they have enjoyed the social element as well, which is an important part of the kitchen.
“It’s not just open to those who are on low incomes, but if you’re single or dining by yourself, and want to enjoy the company as well,” said Farquhar.
They get to sit with other people, talk and enjoy a meal.
“For somebody new in the community, it’s an awesome place to come, because they can meet other people,” said Farquhar.
Warm Welcome had operated a shelter in Estevan from 2012 to 2017. But due to dwindling numbers for the shelter last winter, the decision was made to operate the kitchen this year instead.
