Meal Team

Written by Meal Team Volunteer, Tracie Jones

Growing up, food was what brought my family together. "Sunday Dinner", as it was so fondly referred to, was held at my grandparents' home until my grandmother passed away in 2003.  The time was spent sharing stories, laughter (sometimes tears) and amazing food.  I wish I could say that as a result I became an amazing cook. But I can't.  What I can say is that food has become so much more than just fuel for the body. For me it's a love language, a conversation starter, a bridge of understanding, and a beautiful canvas for memories.  I continued the tradition with my children, adding a little twist and serving breakfast for dinner.  I also hosted many pasta feeds for their soccer and lacrosse teams over the years.  If you're unfamiliar with pasta feeds, it's when the entire team converges on your home the night before a game and consumes an enormous amount of pasta. I loved the chaos and the efficiency by which they swooped in and out while laughing about the day and summing up the challenges they would face against the upcoming opponent. I guess you can say feeding people is in my DNA. It brings me great JOY. In 2022, after attending the SYM Block Party and learning more about the meal team, I immediately said, “sign me up”.  If food is involved Tracie Jones will gladly participate. I was also steered into action by the realization that the only hot, nutritious meal a client might eat on any given day would be served in Drop-In. It brought tears to my eyes. I must admit I was nervous as I prepared to deliver my first meal.  Would the clients like the meal that I'd prepared?  Would it be enough to feed everyone?  Does anyone have allergies?  I quickly reminded myself that, as the young adults say, this was “my JAM”! :-)  My hope is that the clients feel LOVED by the hands that prepared the food, a sense of TOGETHERNESS as they break bread together allowing strangers to become friends,  an APPRECIATION for diversity as they savor new cuisines which allow them to travel the world without leaving the table, and COMFORT from a bowl of white bean chili over rice or cornbread (Jones family favorite meal) when it's cold outside or they've had a really hard day.  As my grandmother used to say, "It's a hug in a bowl."  Serving on the meal team has been fuel for my soul.  It brings a huge smile to my face when I hear the meal was a hit or leftovers were requested.  Thank you, SYM, for allowing me to be a part of such an amazing ministry. Bon Appetit!