Carryout During COVID

Enjoying Carry-Out

During COVID, New Americans strive to minimize the disruptive effects even as they help one another navigate struggles induced by the pandemic. In challenges like these, relationships mean a lot. Recently, the Community “Carry Out” Fund, hosted by the St. Louis Community Foundation, stepped forward to help tip the balance in favor of needy New Americans.  

This creative initiative pairs community businesses with community non-profits serving vulnerable populations. Recently, CFNA was invited to participate in this effort in partnership with Big Sky Cafe. Over a period of eight weeks, CFNA will receive 250 meals prepared by the cafe and then distribute them to the refugees we serve. 

Each week, CFNA picks up 32 meals; during the past two weeks, they have been made available to the refugee women who are members of the CFNA Sewing Class as well as to members of an Alcoholic Counseling program for refugee men. Additional meals were also distributed to refugee participants in other CFNA-sponsored ministries.  

Grateful Recipients

The meals, which differ each week, have included salads, chicken pasta, braised beef pot roast, meatloaf with mashed potatoes, and more. Receiving a meal from an upscale restaurant like Big Sky has generated its own set of thankful responses. One of the recipients, Abishir from Sudan, a participant at the Alcoholic Counseling session, said, “Wow! This is a very nice meal from the restaurant in this cold weather. Can I get one more for my friend?”  

The opportunity to connect and serve a New American demographic with a partner with whom we had no previous link has been warmly welcomed. As I picked up meals from Big Sky, Chef Dominic shared, “We are part of this project so that we can share our gifts with those who need it. Thank you for the work you do.” 

Bringing a local restaurant and a Christian mission society together to bless a vulnerable population with meals is a creative way of supporting local businesses while at the same time assisting local people in need. For this, CFNA is most thankful to the St. Louis Community Foundations’ Carry Out Project. With their participation, we are able to fulfill our Christ-centered commitment to be of service to others. Please join us in thanking our Lord for this mutually beneficial community service opportunity.

By Pastor Stanish Stanley
With Rev. Al Buckman