Pamela Stewart is the Founder of F.I.F.E for L.I.F.E (Feed it Forward Everyone / Live In Freedom Everywhere) campaign which allows residents to purchase an extra meal at participating restaurants and pay it forward by pinning the receipt to the FIFE4LIFE board inside the restaurant for those in need of a free meal.
The ‘feed it forward’ idea was started by Stewart in her hometown of Alliston over a year ago and already has over 60+ participating restaurants in surrounding towns like Beeton, Tottenham, Stayner, Angus, Creemore, Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, and now Bradford West Gwillimbury.
When coming up with the name for the initiative, Stewart says “it just came to me… out of the pen and onto the paper!”
Stewart hopes the idea will become a national cause. She is currently working alone to try and spread the word about the new program and has local sponsors helping her with advertising and printing costs.
“This is a ‘pay it forward’ food program designed to offer free meal choices to those in need at participating local restaurants,” explains Stewart. “Anyone can pay for any food item off the menu, or a full meal, then you post that receipt on the poster near the front door so anyone can see it and redeem if in need.”
Participating restaurants share it is a ‘win-win’ situation for local restaurants who are struggling right now during the pandemic and for those who may need a meal but are limited on funds.
“If someone purchases something extra, it helps support that small business as well as gives a free meal to someone in need,” explains Stewart.
Stewart provides FIFE4LIFE signage for participating restaurants. The concept is simple and free for restaurants to participate in. It is based on an honour system between the restaurants and those who utilize the free meal deal.
“Our mission statement is no questions asked, no registration required, no embarrassment, non-judgment,” explains Stewart. “Food banks are great but they are so overwhelmed right now, so many people in need. This helps reduce the strain on local food banks, and it’s easier for people to purchase a meal and know that someone is getting food.”
Stewart adds that over a year ago when she came up with the concept, she had been wanting to find a way to contribute to her community and give back, but on a larger scale.
“I was reading about other volunteers giving back during this time of chaos, so I prayed on it and God answered me,” shares Stewart.
Participating restaurants receive a FIFE4LIFE front door decal as well as a FIFE4LIFE poster and several laminated information cards for the counters or display tables inside an establishment.
Stewart says the program has already been successful, gaining traction with local media.
“The best part is I can send these files anywhere in the world,” notes Stewart, who wishes to launch this initiative internationally as well. “The files are free for anyone who wants to set this up in their town or city. It’s a selfless program.”
So far, the following Bradford restaurants are participating in the program: Little Ceasars, Dominos, Osmows, Halibut House, bar Burrito, Uttara Khand, Freshii, Sabella, Firehouse Subs, and Lemars Pizza.
“The program was designed with the homeless in mind, but it’s gone beyond that because so many people are working hard to get through this pandemic right now,” says Stewart.
To sign up for the FIFE4LIFE program, contact Pamela Stewart at: [email protected]
For more information about FIFE4LIFE, visit here. Or follow them on Instagram @fuelfife4life and Facebook.
