Greater Vernon residents can discover the services their neighbours access daily.
The Upper Room Mission will hold its inaugural Autumn Rib Fest and Community Open House Sunday, Oct. 2.
“Perhaps you’ve never been inside the mission before, or have donated to us but aren’t familiar with all the services we provide,” said Lisa Anderson, director of resource development.
“This is a great chance to come down, enjoy some amazing food, and have a walk around our agency and learn more about what we do for the community’s less fortunate individuals and families.”
As part of the event, there will be barbecue chicken or ribs, along with baked beans, coleslaw, and a bun. The food is by donation, with proceeds supporting the mission’s healthy snack program which feeds more than 250 school-aged children.
This program runs every September to June and mainly supports a local elementary school.
“The goal of the program is to provide nutritious food items to the children so they are able to make healthy food choices, have increased concentration, as well as assist them in maintaining a healthy weight,” said Anderson.
“Food items we provide consist of milk, cereals, oatmeal, bagels, peanut butter, jam, cheese, yogurt, fruits, vegetables and granola bars. Breakfast items and snacks are also provided to two local high schools.”
Anderson says that without the healthy snack program and the mission’s kitchen services, many people would go hungry, without a safe and secure place to eat. Individuals that experience food insecurity are more likely to be diagnosed with a variety of chronic conditions, and have difficulty managing those conditions. Many school children would spend all day in school with an empty stomach.”
The Rib Fest and Community Open House runs Oct. 2 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Upper Room Mission, 3403 27th Ave. Recyclable bottles and cans may also be dropped off.