
To The Haldimand Press
DUNNVILLE—True Experience would like to thank its community for its support of the True Pantry program as it wraps up the project year.
With funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the impacts of the program cannot be overstated. As a post-Covid type of re-engagement, it served to bring together people of various backgrounds to share in the True Pantry philosophy.
The newly renovated kitchen allowed for optimal cooking experiences. Group members grew their confidence and knowledge by working with all kinds of appliances, tools, and utensils.
Participants enjoyed the opportunity to build new friendships while they honed their budget-friendly cooking skills. Using pantry staples and the Basic Shelf Cookbook individuals prepared and tasted items they had never tried before. Surprisingly tofu and lentils were quite tasty!

DUNNVILLE— Some of the many participants who took part in True Experience’s True Pantry program, where they had the chance to enjoy in-depth classes on a variety of useful kitchen skills. —Photos courtesy of Sharon Arnold.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words and with all of the groups shown above, the pictures tell the story. Great experiences, learning, foods, and lasting bonds. In addition to the many candid shots taken, we will highlight the story of (we will call him) “Bob”.
Bob moved to Dunnville several years ago and said he faced challenges connecting within the community. Encouraged by a neighbour, he agreed to attend the pantry program. He quickly adjusted to the group and found he was also able to participate in a number of other programs within the organization. Joining arts and crafts, several social activities, and the Work Program he says he now feels like he “belongs” in our community! There are countless similar stories of people connecting, bettering their physical and emotional health.
Adjusting the program to fit the community enabled the pantry to bring new life and opportunities to a wide variety of participants:
- Participating seniors awoke in the early hours of the morning anxious to begin another day of cooking!
- Students earned high school volunteer hours by cooking fresh, hot meals for seniors who faced challenges in meal preparation.
- Young mothers learned new recipes to share with their families.
- Several program graduates enjoyed returning as volunteers by mentoring new groups.
- Everyone ensured that food safety was a priority in the County-approved kitchen, as all staff and many participants completed Safe Food Handling Certification.
- Others benefited from the emotional support they received through the community outreach and follow-up component that helped provide a sense of connection.
As the program itself has now ended, we can’t help but enjoy the fond memories as we reminisce over the kitchen adventures and antics that brought together strangers and turned them into friends.