Would You Like to Assist with Our Efforts?

The "Not Just A Food Program" is exactly what the name suggests—it’s not just about providing free meals. It’s about taking support for those most in need to the next level. In addition to meals, we’re working to provide essentials like clothing through LIFE Clothing and will soon launch LIFE Necessities, addressing critical needs like hygiene products and other life essentials.

We recognize that food insecurity often goes hand in hand with other challenges, such as access to clothing and basic necessities. Our goal is to build a network that fills the gaps left by existing support programs and organizations. Many of these programs only highlight their successes, but the reality is often more complex. For example, some programs won’t allow others to pick up food or necessities on behalf of those who cannot make it to their location. Imagine relying on a walker or cane, facing freezing temperatures, and being unable to reach the support you desperately need.

We’re addressing these challenges by working one-on-one with individuals, learning about their struggles, and providing personalized support. This allows us to bring more love and compassion into our efforts. For those with mobility issues or other barriers, we deliver meals, clothing, and other essentials directly to them. Through donations, we also locate specific clothing needs and deliver items when available.

This approach takes time and effort, but it’s helping us grow steadily. We’re reaching more individuals, building stronger relationships, and adding volunteers who share our passion for helping others. By focusing on small groups and individual connections, we can make better use of limited resources and create a support base that truly understands and addresses the struggles of those in need.

Together, we can bring more compassion, love, and understanding to our community. With your help, we can continue to grow and fill the gaps in support within Oshawa. Whether it’s through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word, every effort makes a difference.

Join us in creating a more compassionate and inclusive community—because LIFE truly is for everyone.

LIFE - Love Is For Everyone.

YOLI Deli European Market & Homemade Meals

Providing supplies for making sandwiches, thank you!

Eat Savage

Providing the licensed kitchen to produce the meals, thank you!

Front Porch Mentors

Thank you for providing the pick-up location for those without an address.

As well Front Proch Mentors are providing a pick-up location for supplies to make the meals and a bin for the LIFE Clothing drop-off.

Those interested in making financial donations to help expand our "Not Just A Food Program" can message to arrange pick-up of cash or e-transfers can be made please message us for the address (we do not use the address publicly to prevent spam)! Can message, LIFE Community Project, Just  Oshawa, or the founder John E Walker

A Community United:

Supporting Those Most in Need

December 4th, 2024 marked the beginning of a transformative effort in our community.

The day was beautiful, not just for the weather but for the collective spirit of love and compassion. It was the launch of an initiative bringing together small businesses, individuals, and community groups to provide free lunches to those most in need. For individuals with mobility challenges, meals were delivered directly to their homes. For those without a fixed address, lunches were available for pickup through Front Porch Mentors.

This initiative, dubbed "Not Just A Food Program," is about more than providing meals—it is about fostering ongoing connections and building a network of resources to support the city's most vulnerable residents.

A Heartfelt Thanks to Our Community

This milestone was made possible through the generosity and dedication of countless individuals and small businesses. To everyone who has donated, volunteered, or supported this effort, thank you. Your contributions are filling critical gaps in support and building a foundation for meaningful change.

This is just the beginning. Together, we aim to bring our community closer, addressing urgent needs while working toward sustainable solutions.

Why Independence Matters

Unlike traditional programs bound by rigid policies, our independence allows us to act swiftly and effectively. We focus on the people often overlooked by existing support systems—those with mobility challenges who cannot attend programs, those facing barriers in accessing resources, and those falling through the cracks.

For individuals unable to leave their homes, especially during harsh winter conditions, our team arranges deliveries, ensuring no one is left without help.

Building a Network of Love and Compassion

With small businesses and individuals joining forces, we’re creating a ripple effect of support. Our efforts include:

• LIFE Clothing: Generating resources for free clothing.
• LIFE Necessities: Providing essential hygiene items such as soap, deodorant, and other basics to those struggling to make ends meet.

These initiatives are part of a broader mission to prevent homelessness, support the homeless, and help individuals maintain stability during tough times.

A Growing Need for Action

The challenges in our community are significant, with an increasing number of people facing hardships. However, by working in small, focused groups driven by love and compassion, we can expand awareness and resources.

A Vision for Change

This is a community effort, for our community. With every small action, we build something bigger—a network of kindness, understanding, and practical support. Together, we are proving that meaningful change is possible when we unite with love and compassion.

Let’s continue to work together to address the most difficult issues facing our community. By focusing on inclusion and action, we can help those who need it most.

LIFE - Love Is For Everyone

This guiding principle reminds us of the power of collective action. With more love and compassion for all, we can turn challenges into opportunities and struggles into triumphs.

The journey has begun, and with your support, it will only grow stronger.

Introducing the Free Lunch Program in Oshawa:

How to Sign Up and Participate

We are excited to announce the launch of a new Free Lunch Program in Oshawa, designed to support individuals with mobility challenges or other barriers preventing them from accessing existing lunch programs. This program aims to bring meals directly to those in need, creating a safer, more accessible environment for everyone.

How the Program Works
This weekly program provides free lunches, delivered directly to approved participants. Meals are prepared every Tuesday and Friday morning, with deliveries starting in the afternoon. Over time, we will expand the program to include more basic necessities and clothing through our integrated LIFE Clothing initiative.

Initially, we are offering 50 spaces, providing 50 lunches each week. As we grow and receive more support from the community, we aim to increase our capacity and the services we provide.

For Individuals Without a Permanent Address
We are collaborating with Front Porch Mentors to offer a pick-up location and sign-up sheet for individuals who do not have a regular address for delivery.

For Those With A Delivery Address in Oshawa

Participants with a permanent address can sign up directly through the ILFJL Collective website. To register:

1. Create a profile on the ILFJL Collective website.
2. If you are not yet a member, request a sign-up link or ask any existing member to share one with you.

Sign-Up Process
To begin the sign-up process, you can:

• Message one of the website admins.
• Contact us through any of our social media accounts, including Just Oshawa, LIFE Community Project, ILFJL Collective, or John E. Walker or click the banner link.

How We Ensure Privacy and Support

Each participant will be assigned a LIFE Community Partner (LCP), who will serve as their dedicated point of contact. The LCP will:

• Confirm delivery details each week.
• Communicate any additional needs for food, necessities, or clothing.
• Post requests on behalf of the participant to maintain privacy and confidentiality.

All interactions between participants and their LCP remain private, ensuring a secure and respectful environment.

Building a Safer, More Compassionate Community
We have implemented policies and procedures to ensure that our programs are safe and free from abuse. Our efforts are 100% volunteer-driven and rely on donations from the community. While we recognize the significant need for programs like this, our growth depends on the support we receive.

Looking Ahead
We are starting donation drives for clothing and essential items to enhance the program as we approach the new year. Together, we can create a community built on love, compassion, and mutual support.

To learn more or sign up, reach out to us today. Let’s work together to make Oshawa a place where no one is left behind.

LIFE – Love Is For Everyone!