It was a day like any other day. A call came identifying a woman in dire need. A volunteer raced out on a hotshot call carrying a box of food for a potential new client. When she arrived at the home the elderly woman had a pot of soup on the stove. The volunteer unpacked the box of food she brought. When she opened the cabinets and the refrigerator to store the food, she was horrified to find them bereft of food. She timidly turned to the lady and asked, “What are you cooking?” The reply was, “Salt and pepper soup. I boil a pot of water and add salt and pepper to taste.”

The volunteer finished putting away the food and raced back to Catholic charities. Upon her arrival she shared her experience with our development director, imploring, “We must do something about this.” And so, the Salt and Pepper luncheon was born.

The Salt and Pepper Luncheon turns 26 this year and, thanks to your support, helps us provide a variety of healthy and nutritious food. Sadly, the story that inspired the luncheon is all too common even today. Every person has a unique story, and the challenges they face are very real.

Keep checking here for updates about our next luncheon (Pepper & Salt?). We are flipping it on its head as it is time to “spice things up.” For more information about the program or how to volunteer, click on the words.