COLUSA, CA (MPG) – The nonprofit meal program A Hand Up continues to provide free meals to the Colusa community three days a week as it manages rising costs and changes in food donations.
“A Hand Up was started in 2008 by volunteers from several Colusa churches,” said group volunteer Marilyn Davison.
Those included Colusa First Presbyterian, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic, St. Stephens Episcopal and Trinity Methodist and the Colusa Assembly of God joining in 2015.
For many years, meals were donated by Louis Cairos restaurant in Williams, Colusa Community Hospital and Market Street Grill in Colusa.
“Unfortunately, all three of those food sources have closed,” Davison said. “There was a time when our volunteers prepared the meals themselves.”
The program now relies on donated food from local partners.
“We are grateful to receive soon-to-outdate bakery goods, deli items and produce from SavMor Market,” Davison said. “Egling Middle School also donates food on Wednesdays and Fridays.”
A Hand Up serves meals on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from noon to 12:15 p.m. in the Social Hall of the First Presbyterian Church at the corner of Jay and Fourth streets.
“The cost for using the church facilities three times a week has increased significantly over the years,” Davison said. “We also cover expenses for paper plates, coffee, lemonade and other basic supplies.”
The program receives a small number of annual donations, along with occasional contributions throughout the year.
“Community support is what allows us to keep serving meals each week,” Davison said.
For more information, contact Robin Rauch at (530) 635-1060. Donations may be mailed to 433 Fourth St., Colusa, CA 95932.