Connecting with Community
As we near our Thanksgiving Food Drive on October 12th, we wanted to continue to highlight the stories of various volunteers who have stories to share about their experiences with the Food Market, and participating in our Food Drives.
This week we talked to Petrina Williams, who serves at the Food Operations Lead at the Food Market.
Can you tell us a little about how you serve at the Food Market?
As the Food Operations Lead for the CP Food Market, my service involves working closely with all external vendors to ensure all logistical needs are met on the back end as required prior to each market. I also lead by serving alongside the team which sets up the space prior to each Market Day as well as the team of volunteers who pick up/drop off orders to sustain each market.
Most recently, I also served alongside Burlington Christian Academy (BCA) during the 2024-2025 school year on two extremely successful food drives as part of their BCA Care Projects. The Grade 8 students also had the opportunity to participate in two of our Market Day set ups and we plan to continue to partner with BCA on future Community Care Projects.
Why was it important for you to do a Food Drive and volunteer for the Food Market?
During the recession in the early 90’s, my family fell upon extremely hard times, housing and job loss specifically which put us in a position where we needed external help. We were fortunate to have access to resources at the time which included a food market run by a Christian organization.
This experience opened my eyes as a young student to the needs of many and the fact everyone’s situation is unique, and thoughtfulness and care is important during interactions not only with those we know and are comfortable with but also with those who may be ‘unfamiliar’.
My time serving the FM is my way of not only giving back to a cause that hits close to home but also creates an opportunity for me to connect with a community of volunteers responding to the call to service. The partnership with BCA also created a unique experience for students to reflect on the needs of those in their own neighbourhood.
Food insecurity is real, and the students were engaged and welcomed the opportunity to give back in such a simple way.
What do you enjoy most about helping with the Food Market?
Serving behind the scenes heightens my awareness of not only the needs of our clientele but the needs of other communities in our neighbourhood. I have built relationships with others serving in varying capacities to help not only the working poor but also the homeless in our neighbouring communities.
As an introvert, I was not sure about serving alongside others, but the FM Ministry has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and build relationships with fellow Christians who participate and serve with purpose.