For over 45 years, Agape Table has been showing up — every single morning — for the most vulnerable people in downtown Winnipeg, and the numbers tell only part of the story. As Winnipeg’s longest-running food assistance program, Agape Table served 188,500 meals in 2025 alone while redirecting over 1.8 million pounds of surplus food away from landfills and onto the tables of people who needed it most. Marketing and Fundraising Coordinator Seren Jocelyn joined the organization in October 2025, just in time to witness a landmark moment: the completion of a brand new, purpose-built facility that will allow Agape Table to serve its guests with even greater dignity, accessibility, and capacity than ever before.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
Agape Table is a registered non-profit operating in the core of downtown Winnipeg. Originating in 1980, Agape Table is the longest-running food assistance program in the city. The word “Agape” means unconditional love, and our team of staff, volunteers, and guests embrace a non-judgmental, unbiased, and respectful attitude toward all who seek assistance. In 2025, we served 188,500 meals.
For over 45 years, Agape Table has operated out of neighbourhood homes, rented spaces, and leased church basements. Agape Table provides food and support to Winnipeg’s most vulnerable and marginalized people. Our guests include seniors, students, single parents, low-income families, people who are unemployed or underemployed, people experiencing homelessness, newcomers to Canada, people with disabilities, and others who are struggling to feed themselves and their families. Everyone is always welcome at Agape Table, and no one is ever turned away.
What problem does it aim to solve?
Agape Table’s mission is to enhance the lives of those in need by welcoming everyone to our table without judgment or bias, offering food, fellowship, and support. Our organization works to fight food insecurity in downtown Winnipeg by providing a meal to anyone who asks. Beyond food, Agape Table strives to build community, connection, and hope amongst our guests, volunteers, and supporters.
Our model also focuses on food recovery and redistribution. In 2025, over 1.8 million pounds of surplus food was upcycled from businesses and retailers and redirected to feed hungry people and families. This system reduces food waste in Winnipeg while ensuring nutritious food reaches those who need it in a timely and dignified manner.
When did you start/join it?
I joined Agape Table in October 2025.
What made you want to get involved?
As a recent university grad who studied politics, public relations, and marketing, I knew I wanted to work for a nonprofit in a fast-paced role and for a meaningful cause that directly impacts people’s lives. It’s really special to communicate and share the important and essential work that our staff and volunteers do every day.
What was the situation like when you started?
When I started at Agape Table, our team gave out over 900 meals each weekday morning during my first week. Our operation was at that time in the basement of a church. I learned that the limited space had long ago become inadequate to feed the rising number of people asking for food indoors, and guests were forced to line up (year-round) on the sidewalk outside to receive a bagged meal at the door. Accessibility and restrictive space issues challenged Agape Table’s ability to accommodate volunteers, provide adequate food storage, and manage donation intake. The growing need and demand for a new permanent home quickly became clear to me. A Capital Campaign to build a larger, accessible facility to address the dramatic rise in the need for food assistance and plan for the needs of the future was underway. As the new building was taking shape, the team did not lose sight of our mission, providing consistent and reliable food to our guests.
How has it changed since?
Today, Agape Table continues to see an average of 700 guests each day and is preparing for the opening of our new building in early May. This purpose-built space includes a dining room to provide nutritious meals and coffee for our guests, a commercial community kitchen, multiple washrooms, a dedicated loading dock for donation intake, and expanded cold and dry storage space. The building also features a distinctive outdoor mural by local Indigenous artists Charlie Johnston and Jeannie White Bird. The new space is also fully physically accessible, achieving Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Gold certification. This new home will enhance Agape Table’s ability to meet the growing needs of the community with dignity and respect.
What more needs to be done?
Agape Table continues to provide emergency food assistance services. Once settled into the new space, we will have the opportunity to offer additional programs and services and extend operating hours. While providing food will always be our mission, strengthening community and offering additional support and resources are key components of our plan for the future.
How can our readers help?
Any donation of time, money, or food will always help. Come volunteer with us — bring your friends, family, teammates, and coworkers.
Donate to help feed our guests through our website or Canada Helps.
Food donations are always needed. Please visit our website for a list of urgently needed items, or organize a food drive or third-party event fundraiser for Agape Table. Follow us on social media @agapetableinc.
Do you have any events coming up?
The opening of our New Home in early May! Our 8th annual charity golf tournament will be on August 18, 2026, and we are still seeking corporate sponsorships.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local non-profit that you love?
An amazing partner of Agape Table is the Native Clan Organization (NCO). The Native Clan Organization supports Indigenous peoples navigating and healing from their experiences with the justice system as they return to the community.
Manitou House is one of the Native Clan Organization’s incredible programs and stands out as a truly transformative space. More than a place to stay, it is a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment where healing can begin.
Grounded in Indigenous ways of being, knowing, and relating, Manitou House offers spiritual care through ceremony and cultural supports led by Elders and Knowledge Keepers. Here, relatives are supported in reconnecting with their identity, recognizing their worth, and beginning to envision the life they deserve.
Through thoughtful, wraparound care, individuals receive personalized supports that address barriers while opening pathways forward — whether that’s reunifying with family, returning to school, or pursuing meaningful work. Shared meals, community experiences, and a deeply compassionate team create a space where people feel seen, supported, and valued.
We are grateful to partner with the Native Clan Organization and to witness the powerful impact of Manitou House — not only in individual healing, but in strengthening the community as a whole.
