Open Table – Fresh Food. Healthy Community

Open Table will be featured at the United Woman’s Club of Concord December 18th meeting at noon in the West Concord Union Church, 1317 Main St, Concord.

Open table has been providing delicious meals and groceries for its guests for twenty-five years. Janine Calabria will present the organization’s future plans with their newly purchased building in Maynard, which will enable expanded offerings.

In 1986, Margie Goud Patterson walked the Crop Walk with her son Blake Goud and learned that in her affluent Concord town people were hungry. She and her friend Robin Tardo wanted to address the issue so the two placed an ad in the local newspaper inviting all citizens to meet and create a solution. The turnout was inspiring and the enthusiasm to create a place where everyone was welcome became a central tenet of Open Table. More than one hundred people attended the first dinner demonstrating a need that many in the community didn’t think existed.

At the present time Open Table has a variety of guest programs in two locations to support those in need. We also hope to provide a welcoming, friendly environment for all who wish to join us. Currently over 75 different zip codes are represented by our guests, though most come from the local Metro West area.

Community Dinners: At our community dinners, held at our Concord and Maynard locations, guests are served a healthy and nutritious meal, including dessert and coffee.

Pantry Shopping: Pantry Shopping is provided at our Maynard location. Pantry items include bags of non-perishable groceries, fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products and other staples.

Support Services: Open Table works with partnering organizations to provide guests with support services such as legal and medical advice, information about housing or fuel assistance, and other services.

Conversation Group through the English At Large program: The conversation groups are free of charge and meet weekly to practice English speaking skills. Conversation groups provide an opportunity for learners to improve their speaking confidence and meet other adults who are learning English.

The United Woman's Club of Concord would like to extend an invitation to the Concord community to join us at the meeting or to find another way to support Open Table. There are many volunteer opportunities. Please visit http://www.opentable.org/ for details.