Karen's Story

Karen was drawn to delicious flavours and fresh food from a young age. Her mother prepared meals from scratch, with seasonal ingredients grown in their garden. Growing up in Dartmouth with her siblings, Karen learned to bake and preserve her own food. Years later, Karen went on to work in kitchens of hotels, restaurants, and hospitals, and even did some special event catering.

Karen loved what she did but had to retire earlier than expected due to health complications. In 2025, alone, in her Dartmouth home, she saw a post about The North Grove and decided to stop by “to see what was going on.”

“I just remember everybody being very friendly, and helpful. It felt warm and inviting, you know? And there were people from all over the world. It was nice.”

Karen saw The North Grove as a way to reconnect with her community, stay social and even contribute with her time and food skills. A year later, Karen is at The North Grove at least three times a week. She is a regular at food demo, community lunch, Primrose Preserves making, the Good Food Market and the walking group on Wednesdays. “I usually go for anything that’s open for seniors,” she says.

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Just weeks after her fist visit, Karen also signed up to volunteer. She helps in food preparation, supporting the weekly Family Supper. “I really enjoy cutting vegetables and I’m quite good at it because I did it for so many years.”

Being at The North Grove has given Karen new ideas for delicious recipes with ingredients she never considered before. Her favourite meals so far are the curries and a crispy tofu coated in cayenne pepper.

Through the free meals, affordable market and cooking programs at The North Grove, Karen sees people finding connection, support and a sense of belonging. “It’s nice to see people come in, have something to eat and spend time together,” she says. “Everything is getting so expensive these days. Places like this really help people.”

She now knows many neighbours, of all ages, and has connected with people who live on her street. “It’s kind of nifty to come to lunch on Thursdays and see the younger ones getting a cup of coffee before going back to school.”

After spending much of her life preparing food for others, Karen understands the difference a good meal can make. At The North Grove, she sees that impact every week through community lunches, cooking programs and the Good Food Affordable Market. 

“You see all kinds of people coming through the doors,” she says. “Kids, seniors, families. Sometimes that meal might be the biggest one they have all day.”

For Karen, food is what first brought her to The North Grove, but it is the community built around it that keeps her coming back. Whether she is chopping vegetables in the kitchen or sharing lunch with neighbours, she is creating something bigger: a place where everyone is welcome at the table.