{
  "id": 17895564,
  "title": "More than a meal: Seva Kitchen Canada builds community at Allan Gardens",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/more-than-a-meal-seva-kitchen-canada-builds-community-at-allan-gardens",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-03T02:00:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "CityNews",
    "slug": "citynews",
    "url": "https://toronto.citynews.ca/2026/11/02/more-than-a-meal-seva-kitchen-canada-builds-community-at-allan-gardens/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Every Sunday at noon, volunteers from Seva Kitchen Canada gather at Allan Gardens in downtown Toronto to serve fresh, hot meals to those facing food insecurity and loneliness. Founded 17 years ago, the initiative has provided not only nourishment but also friendship and a sense of belonging to those who attend. Jaswinder Khosa, the founder and volunteer, began the project during a temporary effort in the neighborhood, sharing food and warm clothing with people living nearby before stopping when the project ended. They decided to return every Sunday to continue their service, as they witnessed the impact on people's lives. The group operates without funding, relying solely on volunteers' time and personal contributions.\n\nFor Jay, a regular attendee, the meals offer financial relief as grocery costs rise. In September 2026, grocery prices increased by 1.7 per cent compared to the previous year, while overall inflation was 3.1 per cent. Canadians are now paying 33 per cent more for groceries than in September 2020. Jay appreciates the outdoor food services, especially in winter when people may need more calories and cannot access indoor services. The regular gatherings have also helped him form friendships. He finds it easy to share stories with the same people every week, realizing they have become friends. Some regular attendees even have volunteers' personal phone numbers and call on Sundays when they need food delivered due to illness. These connections keep volunteers coming back, as seen with Ishaan Singh, a volunteer who has driven from Barrie to Allan Gardens every Sunday for eight years. He has built meaningful relationships with community members and feels incomplete without attending. The shared meals also facilitate cultural exchange. Seva Kitchen's annual Diwali Kitchen, held in November, encourages conversations about Diwali and the upcoming holiday season, allowing volunteers and attendees to exchange traditions and learn about one another's backgrounds while sharing food. For Khosa and the volunteers, their decision to serve at Allan Gardens over 17 years ago has become a lasting Sunday commitment, offering people a hot meal and a community that notices when they are missing.",
  "summary": "Every Sunday at noon, volunteers with Seva Kitchen Canada arrive at Allan Gardens in downtown Toronto to serve fresh, hot meals. For those who gather, the weekly service also offers familiar faces, friendship and a sense of belonging. For more than 17 years, the volunteer-run initiative has supported people facing food insecurity and loneliness. Volunteers […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}