10/02/2026
Why is the Food Community Outreach Program (FCO) so important? Read below to discover how FCO is creating a circle of love, service and belonging in our community.
“Some months ago, we came to host a refugee Ukrainian family in our home (daughter Sofiia, aged 11 when she arrived), Mom Yuliia, and Babushka (grandma), Olena. As you can imagine, we got to know each other quite well, and became good friends. This little family had their shelter needs taken care of, but still regularly visited the Bloor West Food Bank to supplement their food needs. When the FCO began delivering soup to this excellent organization, I invited the Ukrainian Mom and Grandma to come help make the soup in the Runnymede United Church kitchen. They were delighted to participate, and despite language barriers, made quick friends in the kitchen. Shortly thereafter, Olena joined me in soup delivery to the food bank, and soon after that, brought some of the soup home. What a wonderful circle of love and service that we were blessed to be a part of.
P.S. Today they have a lovely, light-filled apartment, and recently we all gathered to enjoy Sofiia's excellent performance with her dance troupe, at the Ukefest. They are integrating well into our community.”
- Sybille Parry