The
concept of a free Monday meal officially began by members of the Windham Hill
United Church of Christ (UCC) in 1998.
The
intent was to provide free nutritious meals for those who experienced food
insecurity on Monday evenings. Hoping to receive help from other area churches,
Windham Hill UCC reached out to other congregations to see if there would be an
interest in joining their efforts on a needed service to the community.
It
was not long after the request was made that more than five area churches were
soon on board, offering weekly free meals – and as such, the Food and
Fellowship, Inc. a non-profit ecumenical organization was established.
The
organization has sponsored the free Monday Meal program in the Lakes Region
since 1999, serving between 50 to 70 guests every Monday evening.
Although
the program has not been able to provide free in person Monday Meals for over
two months due to the pandemic, Food and Fellowship, Inc. is still going strong.
“We
are still here, although we can’t get together in person right now,” said Dan
Wheeler of St. Ann’s Episcopal Church and President of Food and Fellowship, Inc.
“We thought it was important to continue giving food for those in need, so we
have opted to donate towards area food pantries.”
The
organization has recently donated at total of $1,750 to food pantries of
surrounding towns that have contributed financially or otherwise to Food and
Fellowship, Inc. “We have given $250 to Standish Food Pantry, $250 to the
Raymond Food Pantry and $1,250 to the Windham Food Pantry,” Wheeler said.
As
with most organizations and individuals, the pandemic has created an
opportunity to think outside the box, being innovative to meet missions and
goals.
“What
we realized when the social distancing began is that we did not have a system
in place in circumstances such as these to let people know what we were doing,”
said Wheeler. “Although we do have a Facebook page and a website to provide
that information, there are some people we serve who either do not have access
to a computer or internet or simply do not use social media as a form of
staying connected. This is where we have decided to develop a phone and email
list so we can update individuals who join Monday Meals. We plan to do this
going forward.”
But
just as the food is an important part of the Monday Meal Program’s mission, providing
a source of social interaction plays a very important role, too.
In
a previous interview for an article last summer highlighting the 20th
anniversary of free Monday Meals, Olley Klein from Gray shared his thoughts
about getting together with others on a weekly basis.
“My
wife died in 1991 and I have been coming here almost since the beginning,” he
said. “Not so much for the food - which I enjoy – but more for the social
aspect of it. In fact, I think I spend more time in the churches of Windham
than I do at home in Gray.”
Although
it is unsafe to gather at this point, the Monday Meal program will be meeting
in person when the threat of contracting COVID-19 is diminished and is safe for
the guests to gather.
“We
will be back to meeting in person someday, hopefully soon,” Wheeler said. “Once
schools are in session then it is possible that we will meet again. However, 90
percent of our board members and meal participants are at risk and we must make
sure the facilities where the meals take place meet social distancing
requirements. Although there is much to consider for the safety of all, we will
be back!”
When
the program is back in session, the meal sites will continue as normal.
September through May, the meal sites are located at: First Monday at North
Windham Union Church, second Monday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, third and
fourth Mondays at Windham Hill United Church of Christ and on those rare fifth
Mondays - at the Standish Congregational Church. During the summer months
(June, July and August), the meal sites are: First four Mondays at St. Ann's
Episcopal Church and the fifth Monday at the Standish Congregational
Church. Meals begin promptly at 5:30 p.m. but guests begin arriving as
early as 4:30 p.m. to reserve a spot and enjoy appetizers and
fellowship. The meals traditionally end at about 6 p.m.
Funding
for this program is donated by area churches. The Town of Windham also donates
generously on a yearly basis.
If
you are interested in making a tax-deductible donation to the Food and
Fellowship program, you can do so by sending a check or money order to Food and
Fellowship, c/o Mark Stokes, Treasurer, P.O. Box 911 Windham,
ME 04062.
For
more information about Monday Meals, contact Wheeler and Food and Fellowship,
Inc via email at: mondaymealwindham@gmail.com. Like and follow them on them on
Facebook www.facebook.com/Monday-Meals-Food-and-Fellowship-Inc-330082320897486/
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