The Connecting Farms to Families Program Provides Proteins for Meals Served at The Community Table

The Community Table is the only meal service center in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, that provides meals to anyone in need 365 days per year. Through Hunger Task Force’s Connecting Farms to Families program, the nonprofit organization received a $50,000 grant to increase the quantity of fresh and locally sourced food used to prepare the community meals served.

“Being an award recipient of this amount enables us to provide a protein with every hot meal we serve,” shares Ash Rundquist, Kitchen Manager at The Community Table. “On a daily basis we see about 150 people who walk through our doors to enjoy a well-balanced meal. Last year, that number was about 100.”

The Community Table has used its funding to purchase high-quality proteins from a variety of local vendors including:

• Cheese from Nordic Creamery
• Eggs from Pleasant Valley
• Bacon and breakfast sausage from Pond Hill Pork
• Ground and pulled pork from Wisconsin Meadows
• Chicken breast from Blackbrook Farm
• Gallons of milk from Lamers Dairy

As The Community Table feeds a growing number of Eau Claire residents, the Connecting Farms to Families grant has ensured the organization provides high-quality meals that are well-balanced and diverse. With school back in session, The Community Table serves a large population of older adults and single men during the fall and winter months.

“Just 55% of our guests are unhoused. The other half are people who have housing but don’t have the access to feed themselves in a consistent manner,” adds Ash. “The larger financial pressures our guests talk about are the increasing cost of energy, transportation and rent. We cover the cost of their food so they can manage their other financial pressures.”

The Community Table prides itself on serving delicious meals guests crave. From Stir Fry to Orange Chicken, the menu is designed to cater to a variety of ages and cultural preferences.

“Having it be not a shameful meal, but an excitable meal – an eager meal – is what we’re looking for,” they add. “We want to deliver delicious and nutritious food to help get rid of the stigma associated with visiting a meal program.”

The Community Table is located on Putnam Street in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and serves seven meals per week – one meal per day – to anyone in need of food and hospitality. For hours of operation, visit www.thecommunitytable.org/about.

Hunger Task Force is Wisconsin’s anti-hunger leader and Free & Local food bank. The organization’s core values are Dignity, Justice, Equity, Compassion and Stewardship. Hunger Task Force feeds people today by providing healthy and culturally appropriate food to hungry children, families and seniors in the community absolutely free of charge. Hunger Task Force also works to end future hunger by advocating for strong public policies and nutrition programs at the local, state and federal level.