Changemaker Chronicles: Hands Across the Table

Interview with Margaret Demos, Board Chair

As anyone who has hosted a dinner party knows, there is a lot of planning that goes into a successful meal. Now imagine planning a dinner hosting 125-140 people, every week! That’s exactly what the volunteers at Hands Across the Table in Laconia do every Wednesday. They present a healthy, flavorful, free meal that includes a main course, soup or salad, rolls and butter, potatoes, vegetables and dessert. The community meal is hosted at the St Andre Bessette Parish Center and doors open at 4:30 for the 5pm meal.

A group of women in 2011 wanted to provide a community dinner inviting anyone in need who wanted to feel part of a community to attend. It might mean someone who is having financial problems, someone who wants to make new friends, someone with a baby finding it hard to make dinner or anyone who just wants to enjoy a good meal. All are welcome. A nonprofit IRS 501 (c)(3) was formed to carry out the mission, “to feed all who are hungry and body and spirit. We do so willingly and with compassion and understanding”.

Hands Across the Table Board Chair Margaret Demos says it can be difficult not knowing how many guests and how many meals are needed for homebound guests. Extra food is delivered to Isaiah 61 Café, The Carey House or Belknap House.

Several Laconia restaurants are involved, donating the main course. Demos says it might be Broccoli Alfredo from Fratello’s or roast pork dinner from The Common Man, or pizza from South End Pizza. She recalls a picnic in August when Curt’s Catering, Annie’s Cafe´ and the Gilford Rotary teamed up to offer grilled burgers and hot dogs, salads and watermelon. Most weeks though, the entire meal is prepared by a stalwart group of volunteers usually beginning their work at 8:30am, peeling and chopping. Demos says the kitchen crew rotates every week with volunteers from area service groups, local churches as well as business groups.

Demos explains there is regularly an information table at the dinner. Some weeks it’s offering Medicare/Medicaid information, banking tips or information about local resources. Once a month, Meredith Altrusa provides books for both adults and children, free for the taking.

A recent challenge according to Demos was the cancellation of a federal program that linked local farmers with agencies feeding their communities. It’s been terminated as a cost-savings measure. A $2,500 grant from the program to Hands Across the Table made a huge difference in providing fruits and vegetables to their weekly menu. She says the NH Food Bank is also at risk with cuts by the federal government for its food supplies.

That makes the funding from The Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction even more important. She says the organization is so grateful for the help in providing a warm community meal every week.

Article written by Beth Osgood Dodge. If you are a Greater Lakes Region Children's Auction funded nonprofit contact Beth at beth03253@gmail.com to arrange an interview and let us spread awareness for your mission!