Take a meal, leave a meal: grassroots initiative applies pay-it-forward principle to food

A Simcoe County woman has created a way for Collingwood residents to buy dinner for a stranger in need. 

Pamela Stewart started Feed it Forward Everyone Live in Freedom Everywhere (FIFE4LIFE) based on a simple pay-it-forward idea in the hopes of providing a meal to anyone who needs it.

The Feed it Forward program works like this: a customer at a participating restaurant can buy an item or items from the menu. Instead of receiving the food, they can opt to pay it forward. The receipt for the food gets posted on the restaurant’s FIFE4LIFE board and someone can come in later, select a receipt, and use it to receive the meal that was paid for in advance. 

“Someone in need will be able to see the logo on the outside of the door, and they know that’s where they can pick up a meal if they need it,” said Stewart. 

Stewart started the program a year ago in her hometown of Alliston, and has been reaching out to restaurants to grow the network from Alliston into Beeton, Tottenham, Angus and Stayner. She brought it to Collingwood last week, and six local restaurants signed on to participate: Swiss Chalet, Harvey’s, Quesada Burritos, Little Caesars, Boston Pizza, Pita Pit, Dairy Queen, and Domino’s Pizza. 

She said she’s had positive feedback from participating restaurants who are eager to find a simple way to help. 

“For restaurants too, every five to ten people who go in may purchase something extra, and that’s going to help keep these small businesses afloat,” said Stewart. “It’s a win-win.”

Sarah Cook, the owner of Domino’s Pizza in Collingwood and Wasaga Beach has implemented the program in both her stores. 

“We decided to take part in this initiative because it’s important for us as humans and a business to help those in need around us when we have the means to do so,” said Cook. “I think a program like this is important because we never know people’s circumstances. I can’t imagine being hungry and having to ask people to help.” 

She was happy to learn the program is meant to operate with no questions asked. 

“There’s no judgement … this is for anybody that needs a meal,” said Stewart. “Everybody needs to eat. This is something that isn’t going to be wasted at all.” 

Cook said she doesn’t foresee challenges in participating in the program. She said Stewart provides what the restaurant needs and the concept is simple enough that it requires a three-minute conversation with staff and then “you’re done.” 

“I would love to see this program in every food establishment,” said Cook. “I think the idea is amazing. I think that it needs to get talked about and grown more so more people know about it.” 

For Stewart, the program also offers her a way to help that isn’t as intimidating as volunteering at a foodbank or handing someone money. 

“I’m not comfortable going up to someone face-to-face, but I, and others in that position, want to help,” she said. “This is a safe way for the homeless or people in need to get a good quality meal.” 

She’s hoping one day it will go national and even international. She’s ready to send files and support to any restaurateurs willing to participate. Stewart can be reached at [email protected]. 

Other participating restaurants include Little Caesars, Domino’s, Osmow’s, Pita Pit, and Harvey’s in Wasaga Beach, and Life’s a Slice and Coffee Culture in Stayner.