Written By Joshua Drakes

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

Mark your calendars, because a warm Christmas meal is cooking up in Shelburne.

Food For You, a weekly hot meal program operating in Shelburne, is hosting its seasonal Christmas dinner on Dec. 17 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and everyone in town is invited. No money, food, or plates are required; everything will be prepared by the team behind the program.

Sandra Gallaugher, one of Food For You's creators, said guests can expect a full-course meal waiting for them when they arrive.

“This is a seasonal dinner, and it's actually going to be our last dinner meal for the year,” she said. “We're going to be having turkey, dressings, potatoes, and vegetables, you know, a good, hearty meal.”

Of course, there will be some light desserts served as well. The exact treats haven't been decided yet, so for now, Gallaugher said it will be a surprise. Whatever is decided, there will be a focus on making the desserts as healthy as possible to stay aligned with Food For You's mission of serving warm, healthy meals to those in need.

She continued by saying that everyone is welcome, regardless of age or situation. While they currently see a lot of users that come in solo, such as seniors, they are always welcoming families as well, and have provisions for potentially picky eaters among kids.

“We try to have multiple types of soups and foods stored in case we need options. We know that kids might not like all of them,” Gallaugher said. “But I definitely think a full turkey dinner with veggies, potatoes and such should have something for everyone to enjoy.”

This dinner is also special because it's another collaboration between Food For You and a local business, which has been a focus of the program. On Dec. 10, Trillium Ford hosted a mac and cheese dinner. These sponsored meals give Food For You even more resources to deliver more food with greater variety.

“This dinner is sponsored by Metz Homes LTD, and we'd very much like to thank them for their sponsorship,” Gallaugher said.

The dinner will be hosted at Shelburne's Trinity United Church, 200 Owen Sound St, in the lower level.

Beyond this dinner, Food For You will continue its warm meals program in the new year and is still accepting food and cash donations.

For more information on Food For You, go to https://shelburnerotaryclub.com/blog/soup-for-you/.