About Us
Our Mission
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat
Matthew 25:35
Our Vision
Guided by Matthew 25:35, we embody Christ's love by alleviating hunger and fostering hope.
Brighter futures, fuller hearts: a world where hunger is replaced by hope and where compassion knows no bounds.
Hunger Alleviation: we alleviate hunger within our community, providing sustenance and nourishment to those in need while upholding their dignity and promoting a sense of hope.
Open Hearts and Collaboration: we work with open hearts, fostering collaboration among community partners, volunteers, and donors to create a united effort in addressing hunger.
Providing Compassionate Support: with compassion at our core, we provide not just food but also emotional support, recognizing the worth of every individual we serve.
Empowering Through Responsiveness: we empower individuals through adaptable and responsive efforts, addressing emerging challenges and evolving needs.
Our History
Stratford House of Blessing has been helping people in need in Stratford, Ontario and the surrounding area for over 40 years. Founded by Florence and Norman Kehl in 1983, we have grown from a 900 square foot house on Wellington Street to fully utilizing our 9000 square foot building on Erie Street.
Our Programs
Our Food Bank Program has recently expanded to provide free home delivery of food hampers and appointment bookings for greater safety and comfort. In addition to food we provide personal care items (toiletries, feminine hygiene products and incontinence supplies). For our babies we provide diapers and formula.
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Some of our additional programs include:
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Welcome to the World Baskets - a baby shower in a hamper for caring for new babies​
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Off to School Smiling - a brand new backpack and school supplies for school-aged children​
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Christmas Toy Program - parents and grandparents come in and choose gifts for the children in their lives
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Emergency Support for People Living with Insecure Housing - customized support to individuals who are living in unique living conditions (homeless, lacking cooking facilities)
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Community Referrals and Registrations
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Our Memberships
Stratford house of Blessing is a member of:
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Food Banks Canada
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Feed Ontario
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Stratford & District Chamber of Commerce
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Stratford and District Council of Churches
- Canadian Centre For Christian Charities​​​​
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As a member of Food Banks Canada and Feed Ontario, we follow Food Banks Canada’s Ethical Foodbanking Code.
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Food Banks Canada, the provincial associations, and affiliate food banks/programs will:
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Provide food and other assistance to those needing help regardless of race, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, income source, age, and mental or physical ability.
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Treat all those who access services with the utmost dignity and respect.
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Implement best practices in the proper and safe storage and handling of food.
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Respect the privacy of those served and will maintain the confidentiality of personal information.
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Not sell donated food.
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Acquire and share food in a spirit of cooperation with other food banks and food programs.
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Strive to make the public aware of the existence of hunger and of the factors that contribute to it.
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Recognize that food banks are not a viable long-term response to hunger and devote part of their activities to reducing the need for food assistance.
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Represent accurately, honestly, and completely their respective mission and activities to the larger community.
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To view the full document, scan the QR code or visit foodbankscanada.ca
