Volunteers helping out with the Full Hearts Luncheon Program meal on Oct. 15 at the Stellarton Legion included Liz Munro (left), Karen MacLean, Patty MacNeil, Wendy Miller, Bruce Morgan, Cindy Downs, and Chuck Sutherland. Photo by Richard MacKenzie /The NewsArticle contentSTELLARTON – Who says there is no such thing as a free lunch? THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentAfter a summer break, the first one since it started more than four years ago, the Full Hearts Luncheon Program at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 28 in Stellarton is back serving lunches from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The program returned on Sept. 7. Article contentArticle contentThe date is ironic in that it’s the same date they started four years ago in 2021. Article contentArticle content“We closed down for this summer,” said Wendy Miller, one of many volunteers who help put on the program, and one of those who has been with it from the start. “We hadn’t before, but everyone just needed a little break.” Article contentMiller talked about the origins of the program, which started with former Legion President Candy Hubley deciding she wanted a comfortable place and time for people to come and enjoy a meal, and time spent together. Article content“It was right after COVID, and Candy just decided it was time to do something for the community,” Miller said. “It was to get people out again and socializing. Article content“And for people who don’t have a lot of money, they could come in and have a free lunch. And for the people who do have money and can pay, that helps buy the lunch for the next week.” Article contentThe lunches take place on Wednesdays at the Legion, which is located at 140 MacKay St. in Stellarton. Article contentArticle content“We just get together and say, ‘What are we having next week?’’ Miller said when asked about the menu per week. Article contentAs for attendance on average, she noted it has always been strong, and they were coming off a week where there were about 140 to 150 people in attendance for a hot turkey sandwich and fries’ meal. The turkey meal was in accordance with Thanksgiving coming up the following Monday. Article content“If it’s a day like today, where we’re serving hamburgers, we have had around 80,” she said as the Oct. 15 mealtime started to wind down. Article contentThe burgers, with or without cheese, were accompanied by a side of chips and coleslaw, dessert, and, of course, there were beverage options to go with the meal. Article contentMiller said they do special meals for big occasions. Around Christmas, they’ll put on a full turkey dinner and then when Easter comes around, folks can expect a ham meal with all the fixings. Article contentAnd as significant as the meals are, the time is really about being together and socializing, she said. Article content‘It’s more of a social time than anything,” Miller said. Article contentThe Full Hearts Luncheon Program maintains a Facebook site where folks can see what is next up on the menu. Article content“We offer a free/free will offering hot meal to those who may need a hand or some socialization,” their Facebook introduction caption reads, encapsulating in a few words what the program is all about. Article content The Full Hearts Luncheon Program lives up to Stellarton’s tagline of ‘Spirit, People, Pride.’ Photo by File /The NewsArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle content
Four years of serving lunch and socializing in Stellarton
