Karen Goudie is the director of F.O.O.D. (Feeding Others Of Dartmouth), Margaret’s House 43 Wentworth St.
Karen is responsible for the planning and plotting and everyday operation of the facility. http://www.halifaxnewsnet.ca/Living/2007-12-21/article-980559/Karen-Goudie-Margarets-House/1
Margaret’s House is a soup kitchen that provides noon time meals and some evening meals to the hungry and homeless people of the area. The meals are served 12 to 12:30 7 days a week with hot nutritious meals served 4:30 to 5 pm Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Margaret’s House is a member of Feed Nova Scotia and gets donations of day old bread from them for distribution to those in need. Much of the food is from the Christian Relief and Development Coalition representing 24 churches. Some churches make meals on a rotational basis and donate and drop off groceries. Karen told us that by far the biggest single contributor is Costco.
They also distribute warm clothing and basic kitchen utensils to those that drop in.
Margaret’s House was started in the late ’60s and now serves upwards of 3,000 meals a month. Suppers were started to feed those that were missing noontime meals due to appointments, work commitments or attending upgrade programs. Former Mayor John Savage was instrumental in helping Margaret’s House acquire the building they are in. Mayor Savage’s wife Margaret was a huge supporter, and Margaret’s Kitchen is named in her memory. Now fully renovated with a full kitchen they also have a dietician that offers cooking classes to young mothers on social assistance.
Margaret’s House is supported by local area churches that take turns preparing hot meals for patrons.
With a board of directors, Margaret’s House is now formally recognized as a charity.
Due to its popularity it was not uncommon to see people lining up to receive meals. This was an uncomfortable situation for both local business and those that were coming for a meal. To help alleviate this Margaret’s House purchased the property across the street to give those in need a more comfortable area to wait for a meal. The property was landscaped and shrubs and gardens were planted and a gazebo built.
Margaret’s House functions mainly due to the large numbers of volunteers they have. Some of the people that volunteer are retirees and people with disabilities. They also get high school students volunteering as part of a credit program at their schools, with some continuing on after they graduate. This is very welcomed as most of the volunteers are elderly and they will soon no longer be able to help.
Karen told us that they welcome all donations. If you or your group is having an event that has left over food they will gladly take it. They will also take your left over grocery bags.
Karen told us that each year they hold a Christmas Auction and welcomes all members to make a donation to this event.
To offer to volunteer contact Karen at 464-2919.