For the past seven years, the goal at Barrington-based nonprofit The Community Meal has been to “encourage and strengthen friendships, share kindness and inspire hope in the community by the simple act of sharing a meal together as neighbors.”
Former Lakeview neighbor Mary Hasse Sandner created this inspirational local mission as a way for a Barrington area church (or retirement facility) to provide a free meal, open to everyone in the community. The concept became a reality in April 2009 during Lutheran Church of the Atonement’s leadership retreat. The church partnered with the Barrington Area Ministerial Association – its official sponsor – to unite churches in the Barrington area and host meals.
Over the years, the people at The Community Meal have changed their menu from spaghetti to a variety of entrees, and they have added programming. Last week, they served “a smorgasbord of delicious food” to more than 300 people at the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Cary. They also serve up fun with the food. Craft projects, such as a “flower scratch off board,” are offered to young and old alike. Sometimes, they host raffles, such as gift certificates to restaurants. And they often provide entertainment. On April 14, Barrington High School’s a cappella men’s group “X” came out to entertain at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Barrington.
Many volunteers enthusiastically visit hosting churches, neighborhoods and service groups, such as the Girl Scouts, to throw these spreads. Besides Mary , The Community Meal is organized and led by coordinator Sandy Hasse, Ruth Blank, Tina Famularo, Aldonia Fisiak, Bob Hasse, Anny Jamieson, Arthur Kaczor, Nancy Langlois, Stu Overby, Debbie Partridge, Pam Pellizzari and Mary Taylor.
The nonprofit also receives support from many area organizations, including the Barrington Area Community Foundation; Superior Exhibits and Design Inc. in Elk Grove Village; Dalmec in Itasca; Barrington Area United Way; Barrington Junior Women’s Club; Mitzubishi Electric Automation Inc. in Vernon Hills; Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Cary; Barilla Foods in Ames, Iowa; Barrington Bank and Trust Co.; The Brunch Café in Fox River Grove; Einstein Brother’s Bagels in Barrington; Crissie Insurance in Des Plaines; Jasper Meats in Bloomingdale; Jimmy John’s in Barrington; and Whole Foods in Kildeer.
I asked Mary to share her experiences with The Community Meal:
Q: What have been your thoughts throughout this journey?
A: The Community Meal is so much more than a meal at a welcoming location. Many of our guests linger long after they have eaten, enjoying fellowship of the moment with other guests, core team members and volunteers.
Q: What were your biggest challenges?
A: Since The Community Meal is free, many people think the meal is only for those in need. If you are too busy to cook or wanting to meet people from the community, join us! We are community builders. Our guests come from different social and economic backgrounds, but we find commonality and have great fun together.
Q: What have been your greatest triumphs?
A: We served 3,400 meals in 2015. But The Community Meal is more than numbers. Our guests become friends. In 2014, we started our official site program, and we have eight area churches participating to date.
Q: What have you learned about people?
A: Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Everyone wants to be a part of a community.
There are 10 meals scheduled for 2016, and next month’s Community Meal will be from 5 to 7 p.m. May 4 at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church. Barrington Junior Women’s Club will be serving a variety of deli sandwiches, and area Boy Scouts will create balloon animals for the children. On May 12, the meal will be at the Community Church of Barrington and June 9, it will be held at the Lutheran Church of the Atonement in Barrington. Donations of funds ($25 will feed five people), food, or supplies, and help from volunteers are always appreciated!
Visit thecommunitymeal.org for information. As Mary put it, “Everyone is welcome at The Community Meal.”
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Kimberly Albrecht is a freelance columnist for Pioneer Press.