FEAST: Feeding Mind, Body and Soul
November is when society is really focused on food. The weather turns colder, the holidays are upon us and we start seeing recipes, talk shows and television specials centered around heavy and rich meals. The Salvation Army also focuses on food and hunger in November – specifically working to combat hunger and make sure people have nutritious meals on their tables.
On Wednesday evenings, The Salvation Army Norridge Citadel Corps Community Center hosts FEAST: Families Eating And Studying Together, a gathering of children, families and seniors to share dinner together before they begin their evening programming. Eight teams of volunteers take turns preparing, serving and cleaning up after the dinner.
The evening meal provides people of all generations the opportunity to sit together and share stories. This creates a chance for greater understanding and a building of community.
“Most of the children in our after-school program just stay for the dinner, and their parents come eat with them,” said Captain Kristina Sjogren, the Norridge corps officer. “For some families, this may be the only meal they eat together during the week. It provides a time for them to connect.”
After the dinner, the group breaks up and heads to classes including music, Bible study, arts and crafts, or parenting support. “After they feed their bodies, the evening program provides our community to feed their minds and souls with activities that stretch and enrich them,” said Sjogren.
Classes will resume in January after the holiday activities are over. Learn more about the Norridge Corps Community Center programs.