The Northfield Community Action Center is launching a new community initiative to provide hot and healthy meals every Thursday to people in Northfield who are in transition and could benefit from a free, nutritious meal. The project, called Thursday’s Table, is being launched in April. This would be a terrific service project for existing Circles of Service or for a group looking to launch a new Circle of Service. Individual volunteers are also encouraged to participate. Volunteers are needed in several time slots between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. every Thursday.

Thursday’s Table was created out of the vision and energy of David Koenig and Don Sahling, two long-time Northfield community members. It has been embraced by the Northfield Community Action Center, the Northfield School District and the Northfield Senior Center.

As of the end of 2007, 836 families which translates to more than 3,000 individuals – many of them children – were certified by the Community Action Center to receive food assistance via the food shelf. There is a clear need in Northfield and this program can only be successful through the efforts of caring volunteers and generous donors. Those who would like to donate money can make checks payable to: CAC – Thursday’s Table and send them to the Northfield Community Action Center.

Because a part of the mission of Thursday’s Table is to build community, people who volunteer to prepare or serve the meals are encouraged to bring friends or family to the meal. Dining as a community will also help to remove the stigma for those who may not participate for fear of being looked down upon.

This is a great community initiative for Northfield. We hope you can join in this wonderful effort! For further information on volunteering or donating visit www.thursdaystable.org