Editor’s note: Global News has since learned the program was always seven days a week with four days covered by the churches involved and three by Ryan’s Hope. The churches and Ryan’s Hope have now formed a coalition and are hoping to increase the number and variety of meals.
At a time when more people are struggling to afford the basics, the City of Barrie and County of Simcoe have announced a temporary expansion to the breakfast program downtown.
The County of Simcoe, the city and community partners have finalized plans to enhance the Barrie Community Breakfast Program in downtown Barrie for one year.
An enhanced Community Breakfast Program will be offered seven days a week, between the hours of 8 and 9 a.m.
“The Barrie Breakfast Coalition is thrilled to receive this funding to continue to support our community members experiencing homelessness and food insecurity with a healthy breakfast. This support is a powerful affirmation of our shared commitment to compassion and social responsibility,” the Community Partners Coalition says.
The program runs indoors at Trinity Anglican Church at 24 Collier St. between October
and May and outdoors at Collier Street United Church at 112 Collier St. from
June to September.
Wendy Hembruff, director of community services at the county, says, “The investment is to help address an increased need in the community brought about by several factors, including the increased cost of living, inflation and the housing crisis.”
According to the coalition, it is currently serves approximately 100 clients per day, depending on the time of year and weather conditions.
The temporary change is made possible through a one-time funding partnership between the County of Simcoe and the City of Barrie. This funding will build up the work of community donations, which staff say are needed to ensure the program continues.
“This initiative shows the collective impact of a united community, and I extend my deepest gratitude to all involved for their commitment to ensuring that everyone in our city feels the warmth of a shared meal,” Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall says.
The Community Breakfast Program is co-ordinated by a coalition of community partners, including
Ryan’s Hope, and churches Burton Avenue United Church, Collier Street United Church, Grace
United Church, St. Margaret’s Anglican Church, First Christian Reformed Church, St. Mary’s Catholic
Church and Trinity Anglican Church.