Hungry Heart Cafe has reopened in the Pleasantville neighborhood of St. John’s, two years after closing its doors in Rawlins Cross. This reopening isn’t just about food; it’s about community support. With the new program, Our Table, the cafe is teaming up with Stella’s Circle and Food First N.L. to help those facing food insecurity.
Chef Brian Hewitt shared his excitement: “It feels amazing to open the doors again and serve the community,” he said. The goal is to provide affordable meals, ensuring everyone has access to good food.
Laura Winters, the lead executive officer at Stella’s Circle, noted that the cafe also serves as a bridge for employment. “It’s not just about food. We want to connect people and help them find jobs,” she said. This approach addresses a significant issue: in Newfoundland and Labrador, food insecurity is increasingly common. Recent data shows that approximately 1 in 5 households struggle to afford healthy meals.
Our Table will host a market for fresh produce through Food First N.L. and serve as a hub for the Avalon Food Hub, distributing fresh food from local vendors. “It’s going to be a gathering place for the community,” says Josh Smee, president of Food First N.L. He emphasizes that this space is needed more than ever.
In a world where 1.4 million Canadians face food insecurity, creating local centers like Our Table can make a real difference. “We want people to feel comfortable coming here and know help is available,” Smee adds. As this cafe opens its doors, it not only feeds the body but also nurtures the spirit of community connections.
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Brian Hewitt, Laura Winters, Food First N.L., Fresh food, food
