On April 2, Mt. Calvary Community Supper celebrated its 13th Birthday by serving a three-course, sit-down meal inside Fellowship Hall at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Acton. The evening provided an opportunity to recognize and thank all the people who dedicate their time and energy to make Supper a success each week.
Founded in April 2012, MCCS began as a collaboration between members of the church and a group of concerned citizens interested in alleviating food insecurity and social isolation in the local area. Since that time, Supper has grown to include approximately 100 volunteers who welcome 50-100 dinner guests every Wednesday night. Although the emphasis is on in-person, communal dining, additional meals are packaged each week for homebound members of the community. In the past 13 years, this volunteer-driven, non-profit group has served over 60,000 free meals in a safe, welcoming environment.
Every Wednesday afternoon, a rotating group of volunteers arrive at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church to begin preparations for the evening. The kitchen team creates a delicious, nutritious appetizer and main course. Dessert is provided by a dedicated group of bakers. Dinner is served inside Fellowship Hall at tables decorated with festive tableware and fresh flowers. Guests are greeted at the door and offered a beverage of choice. The meal is served tableside, often by visiting volunteers from local organizations sponsoring the evening. A rotating group of student volunteers from Acton-Boxborough Regional High School and R.J.Grey Junior High School help with set-up, decorating, and organizing tables of donated food items and fresh, seasonal produce for dinner guests to take home. At the end of the evening, additional volunteers arrive to clean.
MCCS, the only active community supper in Acton, is free and open to anyone seeking a delicious meal and friendly conversation regardless of age, financial means, or residence. Doors open at 4:15 pm on Wednesday and dinner is served from 4:30-5:30. The main entrance and parking are available off Prospect St. behind Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, 472 Massachusetts Ave., Acton, MA. The building is handicapped accessible.
MCCS is grateful for the support they receive from many local businesses, faith-based groups, and community organizations including the Greater Boston Food Bank and Acton-Boxborough United Way. If you would like more information on how to make a tax-deductible donation or volunteer your time, please visit www.mtcalvaryacton.org/community-supper.
Janyce Vicik has been a volunteer with Mt. Calvary Community Supper for seven years.