'Times have gotten a little tougher': Large turnout expected for Souls Harbour's Easter meal

The Souls Harbour Rescue Mission prepared hundreds of meals for its annual Easter dinner in anticipation of larger turnouts this year as the cost of food continues to rise.

The charity hosted sit-down meals in Halifax, Lower Sackville, Bridgewater, Truro, Cape Breton and the Eastern Shore on Monday.

They planned to serve at least 650 meals, compared to 500 meals last year, said Cherry Laxton, chief operating officer.

"We're serving a lot more people," Laxton said. "The unfortunate reality for many in our community is that times have gotten a little tougher and everyone needs a little hand up, and we're seeing that with a few more people now."

Laxton said in recent years they've started to notice more than just the usual crowd coming to the mission for meals. 

"Unfortunately, right now, we're also seeing lots of young families who are coming to us for food services and for hygiene items, so it's definitely spreading out into an area that we have not necessarily always seen," she said.

Laxton said she expects Souls Harbour will be serving more people next Easter.

The meal offers a judgment-free place for people who need some support, according to one attendee at the Halifax dinner.

"It's good for the soul," said Aaryn Le Quesne, who has lived at the Souls Harbour Rescue Mission in Halifax for three months.

Le Quesne said he has battled addiction and homelessness throughout his life and knows how difficult it can be to find food.

A hot and healthy meal can go a long way for someone who is struggling to get by, he said.

"When you're out there on the street, you're just eating like protein bars and stuff," Le Quesne said.

"The feel [of] that knife and fork scrape against that glass plate and have people there serving you is, like, it does something for the soul man. It's amazing. It's such a great feeling."