Brantford Eats Local campaign raises $6,460 for Soup for the Soul

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Brantford Eats Local cheque presentation to Soup for the Soul

Brantford, ON – Today, Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis presented a cheque for $6,460 to local food security program, Soup for the Soul, for the total proceeds raised from Brantford Eats Local booklet sales. In November 2020, Tourism Brantford launched the Brantford Eats Local program and its inaugural offer booklet as a pilot program for residents to discover and support local restaurants during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign ran until April 30, 2021 and included 21 offers from 21 different restaurants and food businesses in Brantford. 

“I am so pleased to present Soup for the Soul with this cheque today that represents how our community came together to support our local businesses and those in need during this challenging time,” says Mayor Kevin Davis. 

All proceeds from booklet sales were directed to Soup for the Soul, a local food security program that is provided free of charge to community members in need. Currently, the program offers nutritious lunches five days per week, serving an average of 1,000 lunches each week. Soup for the Soul lunches are currently prepared and served using the facilities at St. Andrew’s United Church located in downtown Brantford.

"We are tremendously grateful for the overwhelming support of the Brantford community toward our Soup for the Soul program,” says Katie Walshaw, Administrative Manager at St. Andrew's United Church. “Thanks to their generosity, we have been able to continue to provide a hot, nutritious lunch five days a week to some of the most vulnerable in our community. Currently, we are serving an average of 1,000 lunches per week, so the community's support is critical."

The success of this program is attributed to the restaurant owners who accepted the challenge and helped to promote the program to their customers. “We were really proud to be part of this great initiative to showcase local Brantford businesses, and also help out the community in a meaningful way,” said Mike Gatopoulos, owner of Seventh Coffee Company.

Sweet Bakery owner, Stacey Bester, said, “Every customer that came through my door and purchased a coupon book was excited to support local. The booklet gave them an opportunity to try new places and to also be rewarded for returning to their favourite spots.” 

Brantford Eats Local stems from the Economic Recovery Action Plan that was put forth by the Mayor’s Economic Recovery Task Force in June 2020. The Economic Recovery Action Plan was created in response to the unprecedented economic hardships faced by business owners and operators in Brantford as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The City of Brantford’s Economic Development and Tourism Department looks forward to offering the program again for 2021-22.

The Brantford Eats Local booklet included exclusive offers from the following partners:

  • Altitude Coffee Roasters
  • Good Friends Sandwich Company
  • Hudson Public Kitchen + Bar
  • Indian Spice Sweets & Restaurant
  • Johnny Greeko’s 
  •  La Bottega Italian Fine Foods & Delicatessen
  • La Mia Cucina 
  • Maria’s Pizza West 
  • Mash Paddle Brewing Co.
  • Mercasa Little Italy Eatery & Catering
  • Mr. Kabob Persian Eatery
  • Myra’s Bar and Grill
  • On the Lam 
  • Seventh Coffee Company
  • Spool Gourmet Poutine & Mac ‘N Cheese
  • Strodes BBQ & Deli 
  •  Sweet Bakery 
  • The Olive Oil Co. 
  • Vintner’s Cellar Brantford
  • Wingmaster 
  •  Zaza’s Pizzeria  

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 Media Contact: 

Chelsey Tobin 
Tourism Marketing Coordinator 
City of Brantford – Economic Development & Tourism Department
ctobin@brantford.ca
519-751-9900 ext. 5048