Why Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen, a Surrey-based NPO, feeds the Downtown Eastside every weekend
Amandeep Kaur (she/her) // Contributor
Scarlet Side (she/her) // Illustrator
Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen (GNFK) is an organization led by one of the basic principles of Sikhi, Sarbat Da Bhala (well-being of all), which encourages seva, selfless service, as a pillar of the faith. The organization’s volunteers have been serving residents from the Downtown Eastside (DTES), the most socially and economically challenged part of Vancouver and the Lower Mainland since its founding in 2006. Operating by the motto, “Love all, feed all,” they serve cooked meals for those in need. They also provide toys, clothes, free groceries and more.
Their motto is derived from the very beginnings of the Sikh faith. The Sacha Sauda story goes that Sikhi’s first guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, was given Rs. 20 (rupees) by his father in an attempt to interest him in trades. At this time he was 18 years of age and hadn’t expressed an interest in farming or other money-making businesses. Guru Nanak Dev Ji set off into town with this money, and he instead bought food for the fakirs (people in need) who he encountered on the way. Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s selfless act built the foundation on which Guru-ka-langar stands; every gurdwara serves food called langar, and the doors are open to all. Thus, “Love all, feed all.”
When GNFK is serving nutritious food, everyone is welcomed and treated equally regardless of their background, caste or community. When volunteers were handing out plates at the Punjab 1984 rally downtown, they even stopped passersby—who were downtown for completely unrelated reasons—offering them food. Their all-welcoming policy goes for volunteers as well. They believe that volunteer work brings countless benefits, including improving mental health through making a difference.
GNFK also organizes the Food Rescue Program, delivering thousands of pounds of food weekly to those in need around the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland by volunteer drivers. Their website details that they provide these delivery services to shelters, church groups, food hubs, Indigenous support services and Indigenous nations.
GNFK has been assisting community shelters throughout the Lower Mainland. During the yearly events—GNFK School Supplies for Kids in Need, GNFK Valentine’s Event, etc.—numerous care packages are distributed. During the GNFK Toy Drive, more than 3,000 new toys are given to families with low income.
The second annual GNFK rice donation drive donated more than 275 ten-pound bags of rice in loving memory of some of their family members. This was possible because of the generosity of friends, family and clients, who raised $3,200.
They also provide emergency relief during disasters. In collaboration with Helicopters Without Borders and Khalsa Aid Canada, they delivered food, first aid, cleaning supplies and other necessities to B.C. residents who were stuck due to flooding in 2021. They also organized a craft day where bracelets were made and given to homeless teens who live in the Vancouver Covenant House.
Some of GNFK’s yearly events include the Mother’s Day Simran (meditation), the Valentine’s personal use items and hygiene supply drive, School Supplies for Kids in Need over the summer, the Toy Drive for Christmas and tree-planting for Gurpurab (Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birthday). Some of these events directly provide help to people in need, while others collect funds to improve the facilities and support more people.
As a non-profit, the organization relies on community efforts. GNFK receives donations and partnerships from corporate sponsors as well as individuals and families who can choose to volunteer, make a one-time contribution or donate monthly.
According to the organization’s Event Coordinator, Tejinder Kaur, GNFK has always been blessed with people’s contribution to make their goals true to help others. Some minor challenges that GNFK faces are logistics, getting volunteers organized, funds sorted and getting supplies and items that they need to provide to the community. She mentions that coordinating and responding in a timely manner can also be challenging sometimes. Despite the challenges, it works out in the end and pays off greatly, as helping others is a way for Sikhs to show their devotion. “Selfless service is one of the main tenants in Sikhi,” says Kaur, continuing, “As a Sikh, my volunteer work is all about giving back to the community and helping those in need.”
Coming from a Sikh family, and being a part of sangat (Sikh congregation; those who attend worship at a gurdwara) from an early age inspired Kaur to become a part of this beautiful organization.
Kaur shares, “Every contribution, no matter how small, can help create a better, more caring world.”