The Abundance Project was started by David Lyons who is passionate about healthy eating programs for children and adults. Together with community volunteers he established a free lunch program that takes place once a month at St. Paul’s United Church’s Gathering Place Hall in Warkworth.
“David has made such a tremendous contribution to our community, and he is currently working on some other projects,” said Don Real – an Abundance Project volunteer. “Of course, he is still with us, but other volunteers are working on the Free Lunch programs now.”
After a hiatus due to COVID, the Abundance Project lunches are back in person on the first Tuesday of each month.
Lunches are free for attendees, doors at the Gathering Place Hall open at 11:00 am, starting with coffee and tea, and volunteers cook a healthy meal for attendees, starting service at 12:00 noon.
“It’s a place to meet and talk with your neighbours,” added Real. “Our volunteers cook a healthy meal for everyone, with some dessert too.”
The Abundance Project also arranges for a guest speaker to come in at 1:00 pm to talk about current events, projects that are happening in the community or other special interests. February’s lunch had a guest speaker about the recent scams that have been occurring throughout the province with tips on how to recognize these and how to avoid becoming a victim.
Gathering Place Hall is beside St. Paul’s United Church, located at 60 Main Street. Doors of the Gathering Place Hall are located on the side of the building.
The Abundance Project is looking for some great cooks to volunteer to help make the free lunches.
“We have great volunteers, but having more is always helpful,” added Real.
The Abundance Project also is offering its weekly Chop Talk program for Grade 7 students.
In groups of 8 or 9 students who are in Grade 7 at Percy Centennial School, visit the Gathering Place Hall once per week, after school at 3:30 pm to learn how to prepare a healthy meal and at the same time they work with volunteers who work with them on life and communications skills along with tips to deal with stress.
If you are in Warkworth area on the first Tuesday of the month, stop by the Gathering Place Hall for a free lunch and listen to a local guest speaker. It’s a great way to have not only a healthy meal but also to meet your neighbours and learn more about a special interest topic.
You can also learn more about some volunteer opportunities available through the Abundance Project if you have some time and in particular some cooking skills to share.
For more information about the Abundance Project in Warkworth visit www.warkworthabundance.ca or phone Don Real at (705)357-3871.
Written by Alicia Vandine
