by Kristi Sanford, Director of Communications
Since I’ve started my new position as A Just Harvest’s Director of Communications I’ve been eating dinner in the Community Kitchen about twice a month. I started out doing this so that I could do a better job of helping the organization tell this part of its story – the amazing story of how 40 partners, mostly religious congregations and civic organizations, come together to provide a nutritious meal every single night of the year to anyone who walks through our door.
Volunteers from Saints Faith, Hope and Charity
I look forward to my dinners at the Community Kitchen. But, believe it or not, I was a little nervous the first night I went to eat. I’m an introvert, so anytime I go somewhere I don’t know anyone I get a little nervous. Of course this is silly, because it wasn’t actually true that I didn’t know anyone. I realized I knew a number of patrons who live in the community (I live down the street) and who have volunteered in our administrative office.
Each time I go I feel welcomed, not just by the volunteers and staff, but by the other patrons. And I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. I could tell that Charles, the young man I met as I waited to be seated, also felt very welcomed. And amazed that a place like this existed.
It was Charles’ first visit to the Community Kitchen. He had lost his job a few weeks ago, and had trouble getting his Link card authorized (also known as SNAP or food stamp benefits). He had run out of food at home, and his caseworker suggested he come to the Community Kitchen. Before he was even seated he turned to me and asked how he could volunteer. He was blown away by the fact that he could just walk through the door and get a meal, no questions asked. He said he’d be getting his Link card by the end of the week, but that he’d want to come back to volunteer.
I ended up sitting at a different table than Charles and had a great conversation with John. John eats at the Community Kitchen about 3 days a week. On the other days, he goes to the south side to help a relative. This month, his relative didn’t have enough money to make rent, so John sent him the money he had on hand. We talked about healthy eating, the stock market, theology and the writing of C.S. Lewis. We had very different ideas about God and religion, but it made for some very interesting dinner conversation. So interesting that the clean up crew had to ask us to leave so they could finish their work.
These conversations are the main reason I enjoy eating at the Community Kitchen. I also savor the joy of a delicious meal prepared and served with love and respect, and the knowledge that people still care enough about other people to spend time, money and energy to help one another.
If you’ve ever felt like you want to connect more with the people you serve as a volunteer, I invite you to come for dinner some evening. I invite you to come as a guest rather than a volunteer. I invite you to come on a different night than your congregation or your friends serve. And I invite you to tell us about your visit. And to share your experience on our blog, if you like.
If you feel like you shouldn’t come as a guest because you’re not in need, I invite you to consider that we are a Community Kitchen, that we provide community as much as we provide food, and that without your support and generosity on the other nights that you volunteer, we wouldn’t be able to provide either food or community. If you’re still hesitant, you can make a small donation to help cover the cost of operating the kitchen in the box near the front desk. And know that many of our patrons also become volunteers, seeking a way to give back and connect more deeply with others at the Community Kitchen.
Just know that we deeply appreciate your generosity and your service, and that we’ll be here “until all have plenty, and no one is left in need.”