More meals are being served at the Friendship Table in Bradford than ever before.
Just in the last year, 37,807 meals were given out at the East Corydon Street facility, and Friendship Table Chairwoman Barb Shufran called 2016 a banner year. In fact, officials serve about 120 meals a day, she said.
She attributes the increase to the economy, which has caused many people to be out of work and other individuals, who are employed, unable to afford many groceries.
Plus, folks find the Friendship Table, now in its 20th year, welcoming, Shufran indicated. The atmosphere is comfortable, and they meet others there as well, she said.
Who are the folks who head to the Friendship Table?
“They are the unemployed and the underemployed, persons on public assistance and their children, people dealing with chronic mental or physical health challenges, the working poor, veterans, the homeless, people in crisis and anyone desiring companionship, no questions asked,” Shufran said.
The clientele at the Friendship Table isn’t limited to a certain age group. Everyone from children to senior citizens can be seen frequenting the facility, Shufran said. The Friendship Table is open five days a week for breakfast and dinner.
“The meals are extraordinary. The people love it,” she said.
And in addition to the regular food, in 2016 people were treated to different kind of meals for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The menu for the Christmas event included chicken wings, pizza, fruit salads and desserts.
For 2017, officials at the Friendship Table are planning to celebrate its 20th year and hold some commemorative events. The details are still being ironed out, she said.
In the meantime, during the colder months, officials at the facility unveiled a soup of the day. She said they are always trying to freshen things up at the Friendship Table.
What’s more, on cold days, the doors to the Friendship Table are opened, so people can stay warm, grab a doughnut and a cup of coffee, Shufran said.
“We’re always trying to assist people the best way we can,” she said.
Each day, the facility has about six volunteers, and the serving line is longest between 3:15 and 3:45 p.m., Shufran said.
“Being part of the Friendship Table, I have been humbled by the kind and caring efforts of so many individuals who have chosen to serve other community members in need,” Shufran said. “We couldn’t do this without the help of the incredibly dedicated community.”
The Friendship Table is open for breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m. and for dinner from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact the Friendship Table at (814) 362-6658 for more information.
