Gale K.
Yelp
As i approached the building, I thought - what a fabulous idea! The dining room, though somewhat small (seats about 30), feels spacious because of the large windows, warm smiles and beautiful tulips on each table. For $10 or a donation of service if you have no cash, you are offered a 3 course meal (appetizer, entree, dessert AND bread, REAL butter, and a beverage)!
Today, there were 2 appetizer choices (soup or salad) and 4 entree choices and a dessert. The volunteer wait staff were all so pleasant and seemed to enjoy their duties. Each table was beautifully appointed with silver, glasses, fresh tulips, candles, and white, disposable paper tablecloths.
The food was very tasty and the service was beyond reproach. The pay for those working was knowledge that they had been of service to others: a truly great reward.
I shared a table with two delightful FEMA workers - still cleaning up after Hurricane Sandy.
If you can, you're asked to pay $10 for your meal; if you can't pay, you still eat and are asked to donate an hour working in the restaurant or the food pantry that day or within the coming week. No one knows who is paying for their meal with cash or work. I love the idea.
I love this idea so much that when I return home, I shall be checking the site: oneworldeverybodyeats.org to find out what it will take to replicate this in my community.
Thanks to JBJ and his wife for seeing this need and taking it on.