How a local nurse is feeding the hungry while supporting struggling restaurants

A Hamilton woman is raising money to feed those in need and support local small businesses at the same time.

Julie Freeman started “Feast in the Hammer” back in 2020 when she saw the toll the pandemic was having on her community.

“I was heartbroken, I wanted to do something,” said Freeman. “So I came up with the idea of collecting donations to buy meals from restaurants but then donate them to folks that need them in Hamilton.”

In its first year, the program raised $7,000 and 500 complete meals were purchased from local small businesses and then donated to outreach programs in Hamilton.

With stricter COVID-19 restrictions being implemented once again, Freeman decided to bring back the program and launched a GoFundMe page on Monday to start collecting donations.

Merk Snack Bar on Ottawa St. has felt a drastic impact over the last two years of the pandemic. Owner Mark Baker says his sales are down by 80 to 90 per cent.

So when he was presented with the chance to cook meals for the community and make a few extra dollars in the process, Baker was thrilled.

Good Shepherd and Living Rock Youth Centre are some of the charities that have received delicious meals from several local businesses, like Go Tango, One Duke, Rony’s chicken, and Maipai pizza.

To donate to Feast in the Hammer, visit their GoFundMe page.