Cambridge Neighbourhood Table Provides a Place for Connection and Hope in Times of Need
This SDG story was developed in collaboration with students in the MGMT 3500 Design Thinking course in the Department of Management at the University of Guelph. For this project students were partnered with a community organization or business to support their SDG storytelling efforts, using design thinking as a primary tool. SDG Cities would like to extend deep gratitude to the community partners and to the students who crafted compelling stories to help us share SDG impact from our community. Thanks also go out to Dr. Elizabeth Kurscz, who has been a wonderful collaborator helping to connect students with SDG work happening in their community!
Research shows there are clear links between poverty, food insecurity and social isolation. Kinbridge and their Cambridge Neighbourhood Table provide a way for individuals to break out of this cycle.
Kinbridge Community Association directly serves 34,000 neighbours with a wide range of programming. Their offerings include services such as the Cambridge Newcomer Outreach Program, After School Program, and kids camps. In addition, members of the community can also drop in for pickleball sessions, LGBTQIA2S+ multi-sport gym class, as well as youth drop ins with games and snacks.
Recognizing the interconnected challenges of social isolation, food security and poverty, Kinbridge developed and launched the Cambridge Neighbourhood Table (CNT) in 2023. The program finally held their first community meals after the Covid 19 pandemic had halted planning and implementation for almost 3 years. This unique community development program that combats social isolation head on – and brings people together around good food! The program also offers opportunities to connect neighbours with other important services offered by Kinbridge and their partners.
Impact of Cambridge Neighbourhood Table
Beyond being just a place to get a free meal, CNT provided a space for community members to come together, create meaningful connections, and share their unique experiences and stories. As a result, this initiative created bonds that serve as the foundation for a stronger, more connected community, especially during times of need.
After a delayed start due to the pandemic, the Cambridge Neighbourhood Table now serves weekly meals, at three locations across the community, and have become a well loved community social event.
Cambridge Neighbourhood Table and the SDGs
Through CNT, Kinbridge is advancing the Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) by providing space for community members to connect over a meal, reducing social isolation and strengthening community bonds. This communal gathering not only addresses immediate nutritional needs but also creates an environment where people can come together, support one another, and share stories.
Cambridge Neighbourhood Table offers a place where people can share meals together in a friendly and inviting social environment.
Through the Cambridge Neighbourhood Table, Kinbridge provides a safe and supportive space for everyone in the area they can help people build connections and empathy for their neighbours, reducing feelings of social isolation that can impact mental health.
The Cambridge Neighbourhood is made possible through partnerships with local government, businesses, volunteers, and community organizations. Through this initiative, Kinbridge has demonstrated how working together can help to address community needs.
Conclusion
Through CNT, Kinbridge is taking action to address social isolation – a recognized risk to health and wellbeing in the community. This program is made possible through partnerships and collaboration between a number of organizations and funders, including United Way, Cambridge Food Bank and the City of Cambridge and Region of Waterloo. This community focused program fosters connections within the community to ensure no one is left behind – see you at the Table!