Banff Food & Friends Year End Update

Friends, what an extraordinary year it has been. Every Monday our parish hall filled with neighbours, workers, newcomers, families, and friends sharing a meal together. What began as a simple community dinner has grown into one of the most meaningful gatherings in Banff.

This year we served an estimated average of 250 guests each Monday, with some evenings climbing well above 300. Last summer we averaged around 180 per dinner, so this rise reflects both growth in the program and real need in our community. Even with food prices rising across Canada, we managed to keep our cost per plate lower than last year. Our chefs and operations team have worked carefully, using bulk purchases, reducing waste, and planning menus that remain nutritious and affordable while serving more people than ever before. This is something we can be proud of.

We want to recognize the people whose dedication has shaped this program.

Paul Brown, our Operations Manager, has been instrumental in organizing our kitchen and storage spaces and creating systems that keep everything running smoothly. He has also stepped in as chef for several Monday dinners, offering cozy, homey, heartfelt meals that our guests have loved.

Chef Souvik Sebastian has shared his remarkable culinary skill with us and has created some of our most memorable meals this year. His food has brought joy to many Monday nights.

Ji Won Baxter, our Program Coordinator, keeps all the wheels turning. She ensures our volunteers are supported, our setup and takedown run smoothly, and every guest feels welcome and cared for. Her warmth and leadership have shaped the heart of Monday evenings.

Brit Enriquez, part of our leadership team, offers clarity, sage advice, and steady presence. She is always ready for conversation, friendship, and her unofficial role as dinner photographer has beautifully captured the life of our community.

Catherine Tetreault, also part of our leadership team, has been essential in securing the funding that sustains Banff Food and Friends. Her commitment behind the scenes has made a world of difference.

Charlynn Odegard, our former Operations Manager and continuing member of our leadership team, has offered wisdom, practical insight, and a steady warmth on Monday nights.

Cathy Whittle has been our tireless delivery person, making sure meals reach those who cannot attend in person and faithfully picking up desserts from our friends at Banff Food Rescue. Her quiet service has blessed many.

We offer deep gratitude to the foundations and community partners who have supported this work:

• The Pauw Foundation
• The Banff Canmore Community Foundation
• Pursuit
• Town of Banff
• The Myron and Catherine Tetreault Foundation
• Banff Food Rescue, who provide desserts week after week

We are profoundly grateful to our local restaurant partners whose generosity turned several Mondays into something truly joyful.

• Zyka Banff
• Saffron Indian Bistro
• Arctos and Bird

And a very special thank you to Jim Kwan and the team at Defending Awesome, who have generously sponsored our upcoming Christmas Banff Food and Friends dinners on December 15 and December 22. Their kindness, friendship, and commitment to our community are a gift, and we are so grateful.

Finally, thank you to our volunteers. Your presence, kindness, and willingness to show up and serve are the heartbeat of this program. You set tables, chop vegetables, wash dishes, greet guests with warmth, and help create a place where everyone belongs.

As we look toward a new year, the need in our community continues to grow. We remain committed to offering a place of welcome, nourishment, and friendship every Monday. Even though we have worked hard to keep our costs low while serving more people, we are entering the new year without a financial cushion. To continue offering these meals each week, we depend on the generosity of those who believe in this work.

If Banff Food and Friends has inspired you this year, please consider making a year end donation. Your gift directly feeds your neighbours and ensures this program can continue for the many people who rely on it. Every contribution, large or small, truly makes a difference.

Thank you for sharing the table with us. Thank you for believing in this work. And thank you for helping us make sure that no one in Banff has to eat alone.

With gratitude,
Rev. Seth Enriquez
Program Director