Last night, I had the opportunity to speak at the Richmond City Council meeting regarding our application for the Health, Social and Safety (HSS) Grant.

I was grateful for the chance to represent our congregation, our outreach team, and — most importantly — the hundreds of Richmond residents who rely on our food programs each week.

Each week, hundreds of residents come to St. Alban’s for meals, hampers, sandwiches, and practical support. Over the course of a year, that translates into more than 28,000 food supports delivered right here in our city. These are not just numbers. They represent seniors living alone, families with children, newcomers adjusting to life in Canada, and individuals experiencing poverty or housing instability.

But our food programs are about more than food.

The Community Meal and Lunch Program do not simply provide nourishment. They create space for conversation. They allow volunteers to build trust with those who come regularly. They provide a platform to listen, to observe, and to better understand people’s real needs.

Through ongoing relationships, we are often able to identify when someone needs additional support — whether that means referral to housing assistance, help navigating employment opportunities, connecting to health resources, or simply offering a safe space to be seen and heard.

Food becomes the doorway. Relationship becomes the bridge.

In times of economic uncertainty — when layoffs are happening in both private companies and public sectors — more individuals may find themselves struggling quietly. As employment becomes less stable and the cost of living remains high, more people may turn to community-based supports.

When funding is uncertain and budgets are under pressure, it is important to remember that community meals are not only about calories; they are about connection. They strengthen social trust. They reduce isolation. They build the kind of informal support networks that help prevent crises before they escalate.

Our message to Council was simple: the City and St. Alban’s are strong partners in serving the community.

Through volunteer engagement and established community relationships, our programs expand the City’s capacity to respond to need. We are not only distributing food; we are strengthening the social fabric of Richmond — one conversation at a time.

The matter has been referred to City staff, and we expect further information next week.

Whatever the outcome, our commitment remains. We will continue to serve. We will continue to build relationships. And we will continue to believe that in uncertain times, human connection is as essential as food itself.