Stettler town council has directed administration to explore options to help a free community meal initiative find a home for its kitchen operations.
Marj Savage and Suzanne Bond appeared before council on Sept. 1 to request monthly access to the Stettler Community Hall kitchen on behalf of “A Seat at the Table.”
The program, which launched in April 2024, provides a free monthly supper to the community at the Stettler Agri-plex.
Organizers explained with the Olde English restaurant moving into the Stettler Ag Society kitchen, the facility is no longer available for their meal prep needs.
While the program intends to continue serving meals at the Agriplex, it requires a commercial kitchen nearby to prepare food.
Attendance at the suppers has risen from 90 attendees at its launch to an average of more than 240 plates per month.
Seniors represent roughly 60 per cent of those attending, often arriving early to socialize.
“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.
Under the town’s Community Hall policy, standard weekday rentals range from $350 to $550 per day.
While the Ag Society currently receives up to 10 free days of hall use annually, organizers requested scheduled monthly kitchen access to ensure sustainability.
Mayor Gord Lawlor voiced strong support for the meal program, highlighting his positive experience volunteering at their holiday event and encouraging fellow council members to take part.
Council passed a motion directing administration to collaborate with the Agricultural Society and present options for council’s consideration regarding the hall rental policy.
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
