11/18/2020
SAINT ANTHONY KITCHEN MINISTRY UPDATE
On November 15th Saint Anthony Kitchen Ministry volunteers served this meal to over 50 hungry people in the Parish Center. Our guests also took a large amount of extra food with them for which they were grateful. Unfortunately, the numbers were far less than expected since the usual third Sunday draws 100 or more persons. Because of Covid-19 restrictions and fears, the practice of delivering boxed lunches will be resumed. The ministry volunteers are also considering the possibility of delivering hot meals prepared in the Parish Center and delivering to locations where the homeless and other hungry people gather for the bus pickup. The needs will only increase in the future so creative ways will be discerned to address the hunger in our community. The poor box donations help support these efforts.

11/01/2020
The first dinner since the beginning of the pandemic was resumed in Saint Anthony Parish Center on Sunday, November 1st . A dedicated group of volunteers prepared and served a delicious hot meal of chicken parmesan and pasta to about 50 peope who were socially distanced at tables set up in the gymnasium. A strict protocol was followed from taking temperatures before boarding the bus to contact tracing and not allowing anyone to leave their places until the meal was finished. Because of the generous donation from a restaurant every guest was given an extra packaged meal to take away with them along with bread and other donated food items. Everything went very well for this first occasion. A thanksgiving dinner will be served on Sunday, November 15th and more people are anticipated to come as has been the experience on the third Sunday. We are grateful to those who have worked hard to resume the tradition of our hot meal program.

Michelle DiIorio                                                

Director

401-714-7253

Since 1995 Saint Anthony Church, North Providence, Rhode Island, has been providing meals to the poor every Sunday through its Hot Lunch Outreach Ministries. On the first and third Sudays hot meals are served in the Parish Center gymnasium, which are prepared by volunteers in the fully equipped kitchen. Private busses are sent to Crossroads in Providence and other designated locations in the city to transport anyone in need of food. Some clients come with thier own transportation. Between 12:30 and 1 PM the meal is served cafeteria style with generous proportions. Takeout containers are provided for leftovers along with bread, pastries, and other items donated by local bakeries. During the holiday season toys are provided for the children as well as hand knitted items and toiletries. Approximately 100 or more people are served each meal.