As we head into a brand new year, FlamboroughToday asked local community leaders five questions about their thoughts on 2024 and their hopes for 2025. Today, Tracy Adomeit of Food With Grace reflects on the past year, and her wish for next 12 months.
What is your proudest accomplishment of 2024?
In 2024, although the number of clients at the food bank grew, Food With Grace adapted and was able to offer all those in need in Waterdown an in-person dignified shopping experience. This happened because agencies in Waterdown partnered and shared their strengths to make the most challenging tasks possible.
What was a significant learning experience for you in 2024?
What was noticed was that clients turned to the food bank for different reasons. None of them expected to need a food bank, but circumstances brought them to Food With Grace.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Flamborough/Hamilton in 2025?
Looking forward to 2025, I think the biggest challenge will be keeping neighbours feeling hopeful about being able to purchase sufficient food for their family and finding reasonably priced accommodation in Waterdown. The community here is so warm and friendly that our neighbours really don't want to be forced to move away.
What is your top wish for 2025?
My top wish is that people will not need food banks because they are able to live independently in a safe and affordable community.
Do you have any New Year's resolutions for the community you'd like to share?
My New Year's resolution for Waterdown is to involve more residents as volunteers so that they understand the food bank and the value of what they contribute through their donations.
