Starting Jan. 6, The Lunchbox Café opened its doors at 8:00 a.m.—a full hour earlier than before—to better serve commuters and early risers in the Halton region. According to Cheryl Miller, Manager of The Lunchbox Café, the change is driven by a desire to offer flexibility for breakfast on the go while continuing to support adults with developmental disabilities through hands-on training opportunities.
“We wanted to extend our hours so those early risers and commuters could either dine in or take one of our delicious meals to go,” Miller says. “It will take a while for people to catch on, but we’re hoping this small shift in our schedule will make a big difference.”
A training café with a mission
The Lunchbox Café isn’t just another breakfast spot—it’s a social enterprise under Community Living North Halton, dedicated to equipping adults with developmental disabilities and high school co-op students from Life Skills Programs with practical job and social skills.
Throughout the week, five individuals train at the café, with one employed staff member who has a developmental disability. The tasks are tailored to each person’s abilities, focusing on food preparation, safe handling, customer service, and teamwork.
“We assess our trainees daily,” says Miller. “Our goal is to see consistent improvement and help them move on to competitive employment. Community Living North Halton’s Employment Support Program steps in once someone is ready to explore job opportunities.”
Trainees get hands-on experience in a working café, learning not only how to make a great cup of coffee or prep a sandwich but also how to engage with customers and follow detailed instructions. These skills translate well beyond The Lunchbox Café, positioning individuals for future work or volunteer roles in the broader community.
“They’re trained in restaurant-related tasks, but they also learn crucial soft skills—how to interact with people they don’t know, how to communicate with co-workers and supervisors, and how to follow instructions independently,” Miller explains.
Catering and room rentals for the community
Catering for private events, corporate functions, and community gatherings is a significant part of The Lunchbox Café’s revenue stream, directly supporting its mission. Clients include local school boards, departments within the Halton Region, and various independent businesses, churches, and individuals needing event services.
“Our catering services are integral,” Miller shares. “They keep us relevant while showcasing who we are and what we do. Plus, it helps introduce our trainees to different businesses, giving them even broader exposure to the hospitality industry.”
Looking for a venue? The Lunchbox Café has three meeting rooms of varying sizes that are available year-round. They are equipped with projectors, whiteboards, and video conferencing options and offer both standard and non-profit rates.
“We rent to anyone who needs a space—churches, private businesses, community groups,” Miller explains. “That additional foot traffic brings more people into the café and fosters even stronger community connections.”
Volunteering, partnerships and community support
The café welcomes local volunteers willing to commit at least four hours a week. Miller says information about volunteering can be found on their website, Facebook page, Instagram, and on the Charity Village website.
She notes that continued support from the community—whether buying a meal, booking a meeting room, or using the catering service—remains the lifeblood of this unique nonprofit venture.
“We rely on people choosing us for a great meal, a catered event, or a room rental,” Miller says. “Every bit of support helps us sustain the important work we do.”
Local partnerships remain key to The Lunchbox Café’s success. One of their most impactful current collaborations is with Food 4 Life, whose donations help support Community Living North Halton’s group homes on tight budgets.
The café also frequently receives help from community members—whether through donations in times of crisis, like the freezer fire years ago or by simply sharing The Lunchbox Café’s posts on social media.
Looking ahead, the café will host its 13th Annual Christmas in July event on July 25, 2025. It will offer a full turkey dinner for dine-in or takeout (heat-and-serve).
“We want to remain a place where everyone belongs and is valued,” Miller emphasizes. “Whether it’s enjoying a meal, booking a catered event, or renting a meeting room, we want people to have a positive experience here.”
To support The Lunchbox Café’s mission, consider dining in, ordering catering, volunteering, or renting meeting space. The café regularly updates its website, Facebook page, and Instagram with news, fundraisers, and volunteer opportunities.