Eating Together Connects Communities

The door opens and you are drawn in by the aroma of fresh-out-of-the-oven pastry, warm-baked apples and the waft of cinnamon sugar.

You make your way through the I Belong Centre to the dining area and take a seat. You’ll be glad you came because it’s the last Wednesday of the month and you’re at L’Arche’s Solidarity Café.

It all started with peas and potatoes

In 2017, L’Arche started holding a monthly meal called “Peas and Potatoes,” where volunteers made lunch for the community – a warm, hearty, whole foods feast. Then in 2022, thoughts went to fundraising for L’Arche International.

L’Arche is part of a worldwide movement of inclusion for people with disabilities as full members of their community; the goal is a more diverse, accepting, creative and vibrant society. With this in mind, every year L’Arche Canada and its communities across the country fund raise for three international locations. For 2023 it’s the Ukraine, Haiti and Ivory Coast. Fundraising for the Ukraine has been so successful that their financial goal has been met. We continue to raise funds for the remaining communities.

From peas and potatoes to tarte aux pommes

“We were looking for ways to raise money and our monthly lunch seemed like a good option,” says Hervé Monier, L’Arche Comox Valley’s Volunteer and Outreach Program Coordinator. With that in mind, in 2022 the Solidarity Cafe’ was created, and meals went from Canadian fare to foods from across the world.

“I’m originally from France,” says Hervé, “so with the help of Assistants from France, we have prepared popular cuisine like quiche, crepes and tarte aux pommes (the français version of apple pie). The café has been a great success and we’ve hosted a wide variety of themes including Korean, Filipino, Mexican, Syrian, Ukrainian, Australian and Brazilian.”

Wendy and Chris Bindernagel, who lived in Bolivia for three years with their children, recently brought the taste of Bolivia to the café. “Cooking a meal for the Solidarity Café took us back to when we lived there,” says Wendy. “It made me realize just how much I miss the food – and the friendships. It was challenging to find all of the ingredients we needed, like raw peanuts, but we came pretty close. Everyone loved the meal and that’s what matters.”

The community of the table is really valued in Bolivia,” explains Wendy. “And they use the expression ‘Provecho!’ to urge people to begin eating and enjoy not only the food but the company of those sharing it.”

Food unites us

“It’s something we all have in common,” says Hervé. “We all must eat and what better way to do so than in the company of friends and co-workers – old and new – while raising money for good causes. It feeds our bodies and our souls. You can tell by the relaxed, friendly atmosphere of the café.”

It turns out that L’Arche, and Hervé, are on the right track. Research shows that whether we’re eating a quiche or a casserole, the more often we dine together, the more likely we are to feel happy and satisfied in our lives. Preparing, gathering and sharing food is a social pillar; it plays an important role in how we interact and our sense of belonging. Couple that with healthy, whole food versus fast food and there are so many benefits.

A soup pot full of thanks to our volunteers

“The Solidarity Café wouldn’t be possible without our volunteers,” explains Hervé, who says about 25 to 30 people regularly attend the café. Volunteers sometimes start cooking as early as 9 am, or even the night before, to make sure everything is ready on time, especially because some people come from work during their lunch hour.

“The volunteers who prepare our meals and set up the café are so conscientious and they’re so happy to share a part of their heritage and their experiences,” adds Hervé.

Call early to reserve

The café, which is open to the public, operates every last Wednesday of the month. Food service starts at noon and the dining room is open until 1 pm. The cost is $10 upon arrival, with all proceeds donated to L’Arche International. Give us a call at (250) 871-6288 to reserve your seat.

Interested in sharing your culture through food? Email Hervé at herve@larchecomoxvalley.org

To learn more about this event, our programs and other activities at L’Arche Comox Valley, subscribe to our monthly newsletter and check our activity guide