Food distribution brings community together

The Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago and Chicago Catholic Charities have long been known as city locations providing meals to those most in need. That need has increased exponentially during the pandemic, and both organizations have stepped up to provide much-needed extra assistance. But it hasn’t been easy.

Coordinating the volunteers, staff, security and patrons who help prepare and distribute food has reinforced the expression,“it takes a village.”

Mike Usiak, the Meals Ministry Coordinator for Fourth Presbyterian Church, knows this all too well. “It has made the job more challenging,” he said. “We are limited now on how many volunteers we can gather at onetime. But we have continued on, and it is so rewarding to see smiling faces and know people are enjoying a good meal.”

Security guard John Bolden is at Fourth Presbyterian nearly every day talking to patrons, making sure order is kept, and reminding people to wear facemasks, which are distributed to those in need. “Almost all of (the patrons)are very respectful and very polite,” he said. “On occasion, we will have a problem, but that is only in the rare cases.”

Fourth Presbyterian, like Catholic Charities, has moved its dining experience from an indoor location to the outdoors. No timeline has yet been set on when the inside service will resume.

Bolden said they’re adapting to the changes. “Since the pandemic we have seen some new faces, but many regulars as well,” he said. “And they do miss being served inside because in the dining hall there was a bit more socialization.”

“It almost felt like a home for them when they were all together,” he added.

Volunteers are a big part of the process as well. Lisa Quinlan, who recently moved from New York, has been serving and coordinating meals on Monday nights at Catholic Charities. “Not only do I find it re-warding, but it has allowed me to meet a lot of new people,” she said. “Most of all, I enjoy the interaction and getting to know our guests.”

Christian, 17, a senior at Hinsdale South High School, makes the trip from Burr Ridge just about every Sunday to volunteer. “My dad works nearby, so that is how we found out about the opportunity and we thought it would be a good father-son service project,” he said. “I love getting to meet some of the people and hearing about their experiences. One thing I have learned is that each person has their own story.”

What really makes the food distribution programs special, though, are the patrons. Tom has been part of the program for nearly eight years and enjoys the service. “I love it,” he said. “I even like the outdoor serving better, because the lines move quicker and the food seems more varied.”

Chloe, a near regular for three years, also likes the meals out-doors. “It seems like it is easier and smoother outside,” she said.

Typically, 80 to 130 people are served at each meal. Meals are served every weeknight at Catholic Charities from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Lunch is served at Fourth Presbyterian Church at11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.  The church also has a special hot meal offering on Sunday night.