Kelowna’s Gospel Mission (KGM) issued a press release saying it has ended the fixed-location lunch service in downtown Kelowna. In its place, KGM says its outreach team will expand work in the community, prioritizing direct casework and proactively connecting with unsheltered individuals who are isolated and not yet linked to existing services and supports.
The organization has provided a lunch service in Kelowna’s downtown core for several years, beginning as a mobile initiative before evolving into a fixed-location program in partnership with the City of Kelowna.
Following increased community concerns and consultations with the City of Kelowna, KGM says it is shifting toward a model in which the outreach team meets unsheltered individuals where they are, rather than at a fixed downtown location. The final day of the lunch service was Sunday, April 26, 2026. In the media release, KGM said on the last day of service the kitchen team prepared a special meal and staff dressed in formal attire.
“Ultimately, what matters most is breaking cycles and supporting people in their journey towards housing and wholeness.” Said Trevor Freeman, Executive Director of Kelowna’s Gospel Mission. “This shift will allow our team to direct more energy directly into supporting the journeys of the people we serve.”
KGM says it will continue providing breakfast and dinner at its outdoor sheltering site, and will refer individuals to community partners and other service providers offering lunch services in the downtown area.
