Wallingford Community Dinners Launches New Free Pasta Dinner Event

WALLINGFORD, CT — On the heels of its free Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, Wallingford Community Dinners, Inc. is launching its new pasta dinner later this month for those in need in the Wallingford area.

While Wallingford Community Dinners, Inc. is known for its holiday meals, the organization’s president, Kathy Wallace, said the “need for connection and a hot, nourishing meal doesn’t end once the holidays are over.”

“This pasta dinner grew out of conversations among our organizers about the quieter winter months,” she said. “We wanted to create something simple, welcoming, and accessible. We wanted to create another opportunity for people to gather, share a meal, and interact with the community outside of the traditional holiday season. This is the first time we are offering a meal outside of our holiday schedule and we hope it will be a success.”

The free pasta dinner will take place on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at First Congregational Church in the church hall at 23 South Main Street in Wallingford.

“This dinner is free and open to anyone in need of a hot meal or some friendly company,” Wallace said. “Whether someone joins us in person, requests a delivery, or picks up a meal, this deal is open to all Wallingford area residents. It’s about more than just a meal. It’s about fellowship, kindness, and making sure everyone feels welcome.”

The event was originally planned to be dine-in only, but Wallace said they also wanted to make sure that homebound residents were included.

Meals for pick-up or delivery require pre-registration, and the deadline to reserve a dinner is Feb. 18. Deliveries will take place between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. on the day of the event, according to Wallace.

Wallace said if the weather doesn’t cooperate, a snow date is planned for Feb. 28.

Planning for the event has been going “very well,” according to Wallace.

“It’s been great to see the community’s interest already,” Wallace said. “As with any event, there are many moving parts, but we are looking forward to organizing another great dinner for the community.”

Wallingford Community Dinners, Inc. Secretary Amy Tierney said the organization is calling on the community for help.

“Volunteers are needed for a variety of shifts, from food prep and serving to meal delivery and cleanup,” Tierney said “This is a great opportunity for individuals, families, and high school students seeking community service hours. Donations to help fund the dinner are also being accepted.”

Those interested in volunteering, donating, or requesting a delivered meal can contact Wallingford Community Dinners at 203-514-8883 or email WallingfordCommunityDinners@gmail.com. A signup sheet can also be found here.