According to census data, Morgan Hill is a prosperous community. Even the casual observer will notice the million dollar homes lining many streets and expensive luxury cars choking parking lots.
But the city’s faith communities know this isn’t the whole story, and they have long provided aid for the poor. Decades ago, several churches organized Reach Out, a program that distributes groceries and provides other important services to the needy. More recently, several churches have been serving hot meals to anyone who would like to participate.
In August, the Morgan Hill United Methodist Church became the latest to offer this important service. It serves a free meal to the public on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. This opportunity is available to anyone who wishes to come.
According to Brad Gremban, director of the church’s Share the Bounty program, many different kinds of diners come each evening.
• Senior citizens
• Single parent families
• People who don’t like to eat alone
• People who don’t like to cook.
Great care is taken to differentiate this experience from the standard “soup kitchen.” Linen tablecloths are used, plastic and paper plates/utensils are avoided and tables are bused. Desserts are brought around to tables on carts for the convenience of diners.
The food is provided by Martha’s Kitchen, which prepares some 250,000 hot meals annually in its kitchen at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in San Jose. Drivers pick up the food in special insulated containers and speed it to Morgan Hill to be served hot. All health regulations are strictly observed in preparing, transporting and serving the food.
The meals are delicious and well-balanced nutritionally. Each includes:
• A main course like chicken, turkey, spaghetti or lasagna
• A vegetable
• A starch like yams, potatoes, rice or beans
• Fruit and bread
• A dessert like pastries, pies or cakes
There is usually enough for guests to have seconds if they desire. Containers are also provided to bring leftovers home.
Every effort has been made to make diners feel welcome, and this seems to have succeeded. Although the meal is served at 6 p.m., several guests arrive early for coffee and conversation. As many as 65 people have been served in an evening, and it’s not unusual for several to linger afterward to help with cleanup. Also, one guest is a gifted pianist who regularly entertains fellow diners on the church’s piano.
“We welcome anyone to come who needs a good meal and who would enjoy the fellowship,” said Rev. Patrick Davis, the church’s pastor. “There are no qualifications and all are treated with dignity.”
For more information about free meal programs associated with Martha’s Kitchen, contact one of these churches:
• Morgan Hill United Methodist, Share the Bounty, Wednesdays at 6 p.m., (408) 779-4044
• Advent Lutheran, Community Table, Tuesdays at 5 p.m., (408) 779-3551
• Community Christian, Community Suppers, Thursdays at 6 p.m., (408) 779-4914
• St. Catherine Catholic, Community Suppers, first Monday at 6 p.m., (408) 779-9950
