CHD's Not Bread Alone

Plates clatter above the murmur of conversation, laughter, and live music as large pans of beef and kale lasagna are rolled on carts to each table in the full dining room. One man spent the night outside and came in first thing to start setting up tables and chairs while warming up with a hot mug of coffee; he now happily accepts a large helping of the dish. The girl who smilingly serves it to him is a college sophomore wearing a UMass sweatshirt, who then sits down to enjoy the meal herself. In the kitchen, a woman who lives alone and comes to enjoy both the company and the food, organizes the spice cabinet after cooking a large pot of sweet potato soup. After everyone has had their fill, many people pitch in to clear dishes and sweep the floor, while another man plays rock ballads on the piano.

Not Bread Alone welcomes everyone to help prepare and enjoy fresh, nutritious, and family-style meals using local ingredients whenever possible. Our free meals program fosters a caring environment that relies on strong volunteer and community involvement. All who come are welcomed, accepted and appreciated for who they are and what they have to offer.

 

EVERYONE is encouraged to both help prepare, serve, and eat delicious meals together in community.

Not Bread Alone is open for three meals a week and on Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and Fourth of July in the lower level dining room of the First Congregational Church in Amherst, 165 Main St., Amherst. In addition to meals, we host monthly movie nights, SNAP/food stamp support, workshops and workdays in our garden. All are welcome!

We must look to the community at large to keep our pantry full and our table set. Please make a gift today to help ensure that we can continue to serve healthy, hearty meals in a welcoming environment. 

Meals are served:
Wednesdays at 4:00p.m.
Saturdays & Sundays at noon

Groceries are distributed at 12:30 p.m. every Saturday.

For more information, or to volunteer: contact Bob Stover, Program Supervisor and Volunteer Coordinator, at RStover@chd.org or 413-548-1271.