Every Sunday between 5pm to 6pm is a FREE Spaghetti dinner at Harvest Church (6553 Portsmouth Road) known as “On Eagles Wings”. These meals are on hiatus during July & August.
Coordinator Susanne Lee graciously answered PAN’s questions about the meal program.
1. What prompted the idea to serve a Pasta Dinner on Sunday nights at Harvest Church?
Pasta dinner/OEW started years ago downtown Nanaimo by Christina and Virgil, a couple who hosted it in their home until it grew too big for the space. It was then moved to the German Hall on Caledonia until Covid shut it down. Once we could re-open, we saw the benefit to offering it in the North end – better space (commercial kitchen!), as well as adding to the scarce resources at that end of town.
2. What exactly is offered at the supper?
Doors open at 4:30 and guests can enjoy healthy snacks, beverages, and live music. They can also access our free food table that includes non-perishable items and bread products. At 5pm, dinner is served – garlic bread, ceasar salad, homemade spaghetti sauce on hot noodles with parmesan cheese if you want it! Vegan and gluten free options available upon special request.
3. Who attends the meal? Can children come?
We have a wide variety of community members attend – some who have been with us since the early days, and some who are brand new. Unhoused, housed. All ages from babies to elderly. Children are welcome, we even have high chairs for babies and toddlers!
4. Is there space for wheelchairs, scooters and strollers? Is it handicapped accessible?
With a ramp outside, and easily accessible gym space, there is plenty of space and accessibility for wheelchairs, scooters, and strollers.
5. Do you have to be a “church person” to come to the pasta meal?
You do not have to be a church person to come to our pasta meal each Sunday evening! While there is a short prayer from our pastor before we share a meal together, there is no pressure to attend the attached church, or be part of any faith to participate.
6. Can you accommodate special dietary requests such as vegetarian, vegan or gluten free?
See above – yes, as long as you let us know so that we have time to prepare it.
Other questions? Email oew@harvestchurch.ca
Poverty Advocacy Nanaimo 