For most of us, meals are a given. We grab a bite, store the leftovers, and move on with our day. But for those arriving at The Bridge in Niagara Falls, the certainty of their next meal is anything but guaranteed.

A ten year journey

Since its founding in 2014, The Bridge has been a lifeline for individuals facing food insecurity, homelessness, and financial hardship. Originally known as The Hub on Queen Street, The Bridge has evolved into a cornerstone of the community. From launching the Third Space Café, a community space that prioritizes compassion over profit, in 2018 to establishing a pandemic-era Breakfast Program in 2020, The Bridge has consistently risen to meet the growing needs of Niagara’s most vulnerable.

The Bridge introduced the Food Recovery Program, a powerful initiative to combat food waste and hunger. This program recovers surplus food from hotels, restaurants, and banquet centers – food that would otherwise be discarded – and redistributes it to those who need it most.

Then in 2023, The Bridge made a giant leap forward. Supported by United Way Niagara, it introduced the Food Recovery Program, a powerful initiative to combat food waste and hunger. This program recovers surplus food from hotels, restaurants, and banquet centers – food that would otherwise be discarded – and redistributes it to those who need it most.

“We wear many hats here,” says Steve deBoer, Executive Director and Mission Pastor of The Bridge. “But every single one is a privilege, because it’s about helping people regain their dignity.”

These meals are not just leftovers, they’re balanced, nourishing dishes typically served at banquets and conferences, featuring proteins, vegetables, and side dishes. For many of those at The Bridge, it’s a rare opportunity to enjoy a meal of such quality.

Food Recovery

The Food Recovery Program does more than just feed the hungry. It closes a gap – one that exists between businesses with surplus food and individuals who go to bed without a meal. “If we can achieve zero food waste, we can achieve zero hunger,” says Lucas Michtics, Executive Mission Assistant, as he sets out to collect the day’s donations. The breakfast program, currently seeing an average of 70 individuals every day, fosters partnerships between local businesses and the community’s most vulnerable, ensuring that nutritious meals go to people instead of landfills. Anything that is not used for The Bridge’s breakfast program is shared with other local meal and food programs like The Soup Kitchen, Project SHARE and the YWCA in Niagara, ensuring no good food is wasted.

For those who seek refuge at The Bridge, dignity is as essential as the food on their plates. “What we do here is about respect,” Steve emphasizes. “The meals we provide aren’t just sustenance, they’re a symbol of value in a world that too often forgets about these people.”

Beyond addressing immediate hunger, The Bridge is also fighting against the root causes of instability. “By providing food, we’re easing some of the financial pressure people face,” Steve explains. “When you don’t have to worry about your next meal, you can focus on other crucial areas of your life, whether that’s keeping a roof over your head or finding stable employment.”

These meals are not just leftovers, they’re balanced, nourishing dishes typically served at banquets and conferences, featuring proteins, vegetables, and side dishes. For many of those at The Bridge, it’s a rare opportunity to enjoy a meal of such quality.

Zero waste, zero hunger

Beyond addressing immediate hunger, The Bridge is also fighting against the root causes of instability. “By providing food, we’re easing some of the financial pressure people face,” Steve explains. “When you don’t have to worry about your next meal, you can focus on other crucial areas of your life, whether that’s keeping a roof over your head or finding stable employment.”

Together, we can make sure that no good food is wasted and no one goes hungry.

The needs in Niagara Falls are staggering, but The Bridge is determined to meet them head-on. “Our goal is to collaborate with every hotel, restaurant, and organization in the city,” says Steve. “Together, we can make sure that no good food is wasted and no one goes hungry.”

Each meal served strengthens the fabric of the community. By tackling hunger and waste, The Bridge is helping to create a future where everyone has the stability they need to move forward. With every partnership, every meal, and every act of compassion, The Bridge is turning hope into action—one plate at a time – and we are proud to be part of it.