The notion that one person can hardly make a difference in the world is widespread in our society.
This makes it even more remarkable when someone disproves it.
Debbie Stiles is a woman with a passion for cooking and sharing her creations.
Her talents have shined at Stacked Bistro and Bakery in Crossfield for the past three years.
This tiny hidden gem is everything a hungry traveller on Highway 2A could hope to find.
Debbie creates mouthwatering menus that change daily, featuring dishes like Dill Pickle Chowder, Stacked Burger, Pancake Brunch, and an array of baked goods.
Everything is handmade daily by Debbie, completely from scratch. And the offerings are affordable!
It’s also one of the few places where you can still get a flavoured iced coffee or Italian soda for $2!
To top it all off, Stacked boasts an old-school Rock and Roll theme, making it a favourite spot for many. (Just 11 minutes from Airdrie, it’s worth the drive!)
But Debbie took her bistro idea a step further to make her project even more special.
While this food sounds amazing, and $2 drinks may seem like a great deal, Debbie is acutely aware of what it feels like when even the best value meals are out of reach.
“I grew up very, very lean, and I was also in foster care at different times… I know what it’s like not to have enough money for food,” Stiles told Global News.
With the cost of living leaving her neighbours struggling to make ends meet, especially to afford healthy food, Debbie felt she needed to do something.
As someone whose passion is feeding people, she took it upon herself to make a difference.
“Supporting local has never been more important, as is giving back to your community,” she wrote. So, she started a free food bin in front of Stacked and spent $1,700 in the last month to keep it stocked.
Incredible!
No Questions Asked
“We have a large bin outside that is FULL of fresh produce. It changes all the time! What doesn’t change is that it is completely free,” says Debbie. “Come and grab what you need. When you can, hopefully, you can pay it forward.”
The idea is simply to give wholeheartedly, no questions asked.
Her bin provides for many families, and while it may have taken the initiative of one person to start, it has also changed the minds of everyone who sees it.
“I’ve had a couple of people in town who have said that once their garden is in bloom, they’ll have extra produce. They’ve asked if they can bring it in and put it into the bin,” Stiles said. “I said ‘absolutely.’”
The bin is available during Stacked’s opening hours and off-hours. If someone needs something when the restaurant is closed, Debbie will “zip over.” If that’s not care and dedication, we don’t know what is.
Debbie’s initiative has created a ripple effect, demonstrating how even one person’s effort can bring about meaningful change.
So, next time you find yourself driving down Highway 2A, make a pit stop in Crossfiled at Stacked Bistro and Bakery.
Enjoy the homemade goodness, the unbeatable prices, and the heartwarming knowledge that you’re part of something bigger.
After all, Debbie’s story is a delicious reminder that everyone has the power to make a difference.
You can follow all of Stacked Bistro’s goings-on on Facebook and Instagram
