Agape Table, a Winnipeg food charity established over 45 years ago, serves around 1,000 people most days — a staggering increase in demand since the 300 they averaged before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In February, we’re going to get the keys to our new building,” said Jim Steep, executive director. “It’s an exciting time at Agape Table.”
After decades of renting church kitchens and three years of fundraising, the organization will be upsizing to over 16,000 square feet across two buildings.
Steep explained agape is a Greek word meaning “unconditional love” — a sentiment carried into the organization’s work.
“We don’t judge anyone. We don’t ask them for ID,” said Steep. “Anybody who’s hungry, we feed them. That’s what we do.”
Steep was recently awarded Rotary International’s Paul Harris Fellowship for “Service Above Self,” celebrating his commitment to community over the 10 years he has worked with Agape Table.
Agape Table’s vision for a “future without hunger” is fighting an issue growing more relevant than ever, that is affecting more than just Winnipeggers.
Between 2021 and 2024, food insecurity in Manitoba skyrocketed nearly 50%. In 2024, more than a quarter of all Manitobans were living in food insecure households.
This issue isn’t limited to Manitoba; in 2024, eight of the ten Canadian provinces reached record high levels of food insecurity.
As a non-profit organization that’s 100% donor funded, Agape Table is constantly facing challenges. Steep said they need between 25 and 40 volunteers on any given day, and maintaining enough food, volunteers, and money to keep things going has always been an issue.
“We rely on the big hearts of the people of Winnipeg and Manitoba,” said Steep. “And we couldn’t do it without you, so thanks to all our donors and all our volunteers.”
Steep noted most of Agape Table’s volunteers and employees are former guests, who came to them for food, and “just loved it here, and ended up volunteering.” — and would end up staying with the organization for many years, if not decades.
“It’s amazing to see what Agape Table’s done for a lot of the people who have come here,” said Steep.
