Stettler town council has approved a policy amendment to provide kitchen space for a local meal program.
At its Sept. 15 meeting, council voted to revise the Community Hall rental policy to grant the Stettler Agricultural Society free monthly access to the hall kitchen for food preparation for the “Seat at the Table” program.
The decision follows a Sept. 1 delegation to council by program organizers, as well as a review during the Committee of the Whole meeting.
The free community supper initiative launched in April 2024 at the Stettler Agriplex, serving 90 people at its inaugural event.
Participation has since grown to an average of more than 240 guests each month, with seniors making up roughly 60 per cent of attendees.
Organizers were forced to seek alternative prep space after the Ag Society leased its own commercial kitchen to a private restaurant, Olde English Restaurant.
While the monthly suppers will remain at the Agriplex, organizers needed a nearby commercial kitchen capable of handling large-scale food preparation.
Under the amended policy, the Ag Society will receive fee-free kitchen access for one day per month, up to a maximum of 12 days per year.
To protect facility revenues and user schedules, all bookings must be approved by the town’s director of Parks and Leisure Services.
“A Seat at the Table” operates through community partners, including the Agricultural Society, Stettler FCSS, the Stettler Food Bank, McMann Family Resource Network, Heartland Youth Centre, Stettler Learning Centre, and local churches.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
