Free community lunch Springdale

Published July 13, 2018

Following noon Mass on the first Friday of every month, St. Raphael Church in Springdale is offering a free Community Lunch as a new ministry. Stop To Eat Program – STEP — began in January.  After the announcement, more than 20 Hispanic and Anglo parishioners volunteered to make sandwiches one day and serve the lunch the following day. The lunch consists of a sandwich, chips, fruit, dessert and a drink. 

Deacon Chuck Marino said, “The response has been awesome. It began in January with about 25 people attending the lunch and expanded until the July First Friday, which served approximately 100-plus people. We ran out and had to quickly make more sandwiches. With school being out for the summer, more children attended.” 

Marino said the funds and food for the ministry are donated by parishioners.

“One parishioner donates meat and cheese for the sandwiches, another volunteer bakes homemade cookies and still others have offered cash or have volunteered their time,” Marino said. “Some confirmandi asked to participate and are receiving service hours for their efforts.” 

Marino and his wife Anita, who coordinate the program, said the most rewarding aspect is the two ethnic communities are working together to serve others. Pastor Father John Connell is considering extending the program to twice a month if participation remains high.