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The 'Light on Main Street Community Meal' opened its doors on April 29th, 2009, located at The Hanover Baptist Chuch at 381 10th Street and serves hot meals for the community every Thursday from 11:30am – 1:00pm with something for everyone.

Salads, rolls, beverages and homestyle restaurant dishes such as Shepards Pie, Swedish Meatballs and Tuna Casseroles can be found in abundance at this wonderful kitchen.

The idea was formed at the 'Friends First Group', a local support group for women with mental health issues by Ann Bruton, Anita Eckhardt, Gloria Burrow and Carol Zister. “Everybody needs to eat in a friendly, homey place”, says Bruton.

Bruton, who plays music for the Hanover Baptist Church approached former Pastor Bob Little with the idea and, once brought before the Board of Directors and Public Health, the church became home for the meals . Pastor Scott Broad of the Pentecostal Church in Hanover was also involved in the endeavor at one time and Bruton says,  “He was really supportive right off the bat."

Serving 80 – 100 local residents and with a staff of 75 volunteers, not only did the kitchen take off, but is growing quickly. Donations came from P & H Foods (turkeys and fixings for holiday meals), New Life Mills donated flour to the kitchen and local residents make salads and do dishes and Smitty's Furniture donated furniture for the sitting room.

Unfortunately, due to the rising costs of keeping the church running and the growing number of patrons visiting the kitchen, they are in need of further contributions. “We need to find individuals or businesses who would like to donate money”, says Bruton.

The kitchen also offers a Little Light Church Service, which runs from 10:45am – 11:30am, ran by Pastor Scott Broad and Pastor Jim Kinsmen. “It’s a Christian mission”, says Bruton, "and we treat everyone who comes here with dignity and respect”. Bruton would like to expand the kitchen to a second day and offer a bible study and light lunch.

Another program offered by' The Little Light on Main Street' is the 'Baby Blessing' program, operated by Kerri Kingston that offers diapers, formula and other baby basics to patrons visiting with infants. This program is available every Thursday at the kitchen and every Sunday at 10:00am at the Hanover Baptist Church.

As with many places in Bruce and Grey Counties, affordable housing is at a premium and Hanover is no exception.  “We would really like to get involved in the issue of affordable housing and support”, says Bruton.

A homemade Easter dinner will be held at the kitchen on April 21st, 2011, with the food being provided by P & H Foods. Donations can be given to Ann Bruton by calling (519)364-7068, Pastor Scott Broad at (519)364-5668 or by dropping off donations during The Light on Main Street's Community meal.

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Friday, April 01, 2011