Ministry in Meals at West Gore Disciple Church

by Nancy Doane and Debbie Weatherhead

In the spring of 2003, after a few months of meetings and discussion, the Meals to Go program was beginning to take shape. Then a bold statement was made, “Let’s stop talking about it and get started!” The result was a three-month trial period and now, twenty-two years later, it is still operating.

   Noon meals are delivered to an average of 63 people on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. There is a set menu that includes a variety of tasty, nutritious meals prepared in a kitchen facility that is inspected annually and holds a Food

Establishment Permit issued by the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change.

   The program is staffed by volunteers from the church and community. 20-25 people are involved in preparations for each meal: clients are called to confirm orders, bakers for breads and desserts are organized, a team of 5-6 prepare, serve and package meals, drivers deliver meals to each client, a treasurer collects and keeps track of all the money and expenses, and supplies are purchased, including packaging materials. All containers used are compostable and the lids are recyclable. A planning committee works with the preparation team to iron out any wrinkles and

make adjustments to the menu.

   The cost of each meal is modest at $12.00/meal. The group is committed to the initial outreach mandate and an average of 10 – 15% of the prepared meals are delivered without charge to those who require assistance. Many people have helped with and supported this program over the years, and every type of help is much appreciated. 

   The program delivers to the area that is roughly within a 20-minute drive from West Gore and in September 2025, we will include the community of Kennetcook within that range.

   If you are interested in receiving meals, gifting them to someone else, or volunteering, please contact Florence Miller at 902-632-2048, Debbie Weatherhead at 902-632-2066 or email wgdcconnect@gmail.com.