Catholic Charities of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Money runs thin the last week of the month for low income families who often must choose between paying the rent, utilities or groceries. Thousands of families are pushed to the limit by financial hopelessness and frustration. Inevitably, this stress can lead to family discord. This reality is now commonplace in California due to the economic crisis and has become a major concern of Catholic Charities’ caseworkers.

“We knew of this problem in the neighborhood, and thought, ‘Hey!’ We already have a food program for the youth. Let’s just invite the whole family over for dinner for the last week of the month,” commented Damon Brown, Case Manager for the Catholic Charities 92411 “Hope in the City” Center and the “official chef.” “Maybe we can ease the situation some when times are rough. This isn’t a typical food program. We try to make it as much like a restaurant as possible.”

Thus was born the “Evening Family Meal Program” which started serving up its first meal beginning January 1, 2011. The congregate dining idea was a spin-off of a successful “Summer Lunch Program” that was held at the Hope in the City Center. The summer lunch program successfully provided a nutritious lunch to over 100 children (ages 5-17) in the area. In many cases, this lunch was perhaps their only nutritious meal of the day.

“In addition to providing neighborhood families with an opportunity to sit down for a meal, the program also provides opportunities to enroll eligible families in food stamps (CAL Fresh) and Healthy Families Program,” commented Ken F. Sawa, CEO of Catholic Charities. “The meal brings the families back to the dinner table. Sharing dinner together gives everyone a sense of identity. It can ease day-to-day conflicts as well as establish traditions and memories that can last a lifetime.”

The “Evening Meal Program” is held from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm (Monday through Friday) during the last week of every month. Menus for the dinners are different every night and incorporate a variety of culturally diverse recipes. The program includes neighborhood families in deciding the week’s menus. Many of the participants comment that the dinner has a festive atmosphere similar to a big family reunion. Working as a team puts the meal on the table faster and makes everyone more responsible and accepting of the final product. Improved eating habits come with “ownership” of a meal.

A meal guest commented, “As a working mom, I just don’t have the time, and I am tired of giving the kids fast food. This meal feels like going to someone’s house for dinner.”

Currently, the “Evening Family Meal Program” feeds an average of 56 people a night. The program brings parents and children of the neighborhood together. All volunteers follow California guidelines for food handling and food preparation. All the volunteers must be county certified Food Handlers.

The “Evening Meal Program” depends on volunteers and donations. If you are interested in getting involved please call Kathy Neff at (909) 388-1239, x304. The Catholic Charities’ 92411 “Hope in the City” Center is located at 1859 N. Western Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92411.