ALL ARE WELCOME; Open Table seeks donations, volunteers
Volunteers are preparing to usher in a new ongoing community meal being called “Open Table,” which will be held on the last Sunday of each month. The goal of The Open Table Project is to provide a free hot meal, and gather friends and neighbors around “the dinner table.”
The United Baptist-Presbyterian Church have offered their building, and will be the host of this monthly event. The first Open Table is planned for Sunday, March 30 from 5-7 p.m., and all are welcome, regardless of age or income. No money is asked in return for this meal. Instead, Open Table is being offered as a way to bless others by experiencing the joy of sharing a meal together.
While event organizer Ron Schafer has organized other meal events for “Kids Against Hunger,” he’s been dreaming of serving his local community for at least five years.
“Back in the day, we would do the food packing event, and I always thought it would be nice to do something for our own community,” said Schafer.
He has also helped prepared big food events in the past, getting his feet wet with local BBQ and chicken wing events during Ayr Days.
“I enjoyed the people and talking with everyone,” said Schafer.
His cousin in Oregon is part of a church that hosts a meal like this once to twice a week.
“My cousin used to be the minister of the church, now he’s a Regional Director, and my dad would go and help along side my aunt, uncle and cousin,” explained Schafer.
After returning home, Schafer’s father shared his experience with him, and they began dreaming of starting a program like this in Ringgold County. As time went on, members of the United Baptist Presbyterian Church began discussing expanding their church building to add a commercial kitchen. The process has taken longer than expected.
“It’s been about two years, and we are still working towards it,” said Schafer. “We will get it certified eventually.”
In the meantime, Schafer discovered a church does not need to have a licensed kitchen to host events like this.
“We were waiting on the kitchen to be finished, but with the economy and food prices rising, now seemed like the right time,” Schafer said.
Recognizing it will take the work of many in the community for Open Table to thrive, he plans to operate the program with volunteer help and donations from those who share the same principle of “Serving Communities Through Compassion.”
He is currently recruiting individuals, families, churches or other organizations that would like to help provide a safe environment for community members to enjoy a meal together.
“I’ve got about a dozen people that have already contacted me,” said Schafer. “I envision this to be an ecumenical and community wide event.”
He plans to rotate people and groups as time goes on by creating a volunteer schedule for future meals.
“The high school reached out to share information with students looking for volunteer projects,” Schafer shared, “and the Tingley Methodist Church said they would like to donate.”
He is welcoming the assistance of any boy or girl scout groups, 4-H groups, sports teams, churches, and anyone that wants to volunteer their time. Donated food items, supplies, or monetary gifts are also welcome.
Initially they plan to serve around 100 people, and will adjust accordingly to meet the community need.
Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and corn will be served March 30, and the menu will depend upon seasonal availability and donated items each month.
“We are talking about doing delivery for people who are unable to get out,” said Schafer, “if we get people willing to deliver meals.”
Schafer encourages everyone to invite people or provide rides for others to enjoy this free meal.
To learn more or get involved in Open Table, contact Ron Schafer at 641-414-1527 or email him at schafer@mchsi.com.
Tax-deductible monetary donations can be mailed to the United Baptist Presbyterian Church, noting it is for “Open Table.” The church is located at 2343 US Hwy 169, Mount Ayr, IA 50854, just west of town at the corner of Hwy 2 and Hwy 169.
