Examining the East Toronto community, Major Ray Braddock, corps officer, and Chantal Webb, community outreach co-ordinator, felt compelled to reach out and demonstrate Christ's compassion in a tangible way. After prayer and planning, the Chat and Chew lunch program began in 2008.

“We were discouraged at first,” recalls Webb of the five people who arrived for the first meal. But over time, word of the lunch program began to trickle through the neighbourhood and now more than 120 regularly gather weekly in the fellowship hall.

Mark Reed, program cook, ensures there is plenty of tasty and nutritious food each week, all prepared on a tight budget. Local grocery stores and bakeries make regular contributions to the program.

A sense of community has developed and many are willing to pitch in and help with providing the meal. Some arrive early to help set up tables and chairs, while others clear dishes.

Not everyone comes because they are hungry for food. Single moms, people on disability pensions and those looking for fellowship find community at The Salvation Army. They are grateful for the opportunity to get out and enjoy the company of others.

Major Braddock says that the program has brought together other groups as well. For example, a group from the Army's Korean Community Church helps with food preparation and clean-up. Outreach workers from the nearby Salvation Army Gateway Shelter attend on a regular basis as well.

Encouraged by the success of the program, Major Braddock has ideas for expanding it. The corps operates an after-school program, and sent many of the children to camp in the summer. “The key is having the right people who have a vision for reaching out into the community,” says Major Braddock. Through the outreach programs, his goal is to treat people in the neighbourhood like family.

Photo: Commissioner Marilyn D. Francis, TPWM, visits the lunch program and shares a devotional message