FAQs for the Meal Program at Natalie’s Sisters
I’m interested in helping with meals, how do I get more information?
Contact Melinda Guest melinda@nataliessisters.org
2. I’m not a cook, but I’m willing to help. Can I still help with meals?
Absolutely. There are many ways to be involved with the meal program.
Meals for the clubs are prepared by teams for distribution every Wednesday night. Trained team members deliver the meals.
Daily meals at the Drop-In Center consist of breakfast and lunch. These meals are always pre scheduled via the Care Calendar.
Meals can be hot, cold, home cooked, individually bagged, family style, fast food, catered, or just about any other option that works for you. Our meals team leader can work with you to determine a good fit.
3. What is the commitment requirement if I decide to help with meals?
There is no required commitment, but we think once you realize how easy it is and what an impact it makes for women, you will want to become a regular.
4. Are there special requirements for the meals at NS?
There are guidelines. Currently the women are served outside (for Drop-In Center meals). Most are functionally homeless and have significant health issues.
Their palates are generally very simple, therefore simple meals are appreciated and will have the most positive impact on their nutrition.
5. A meal for 40-75 women is overwhelming to me. Is there still a way I can help?
Absolutely! You don’t have to provide the entire meal. You can provide fewer meals than the total expected number of women for the day. We’ve broken down the meals into smaller numbers so that it’s more manageable. We are flexible and appreciate whatever you can do.
6. My small group would like to provide a meal once a month. Can we sign up for a “regular” day?
Yes. In fact, that would be very helpful. We use a calendar sign up program called Care Calendar. It makes it very easy to sign up.
7. Are all the meals “home cooked?”
Home cooked is appreciated but not necessary. Some days fast food or pizza is just the best option (like with your own family at home!)
8. I don’t know what kind of food the women at Natalie’s Sisters would like. Do you provide suggestions?
We would be happy to help with ideas. There are also some great websites for easy and low-cost recipes for cooking for the homeless.
9. Do I have to provide a whole meal for all the women expected?
There are some days of the week that generally have a higher number of women attending than others. We have split up the number of meals on those days so that more than one person/group can participate.
10. Do I cook/bake items at Natalie’s Sisters?
No. We ask that for hot items, you bring them hot. We do have the ability to reheat or keep items warm once delivered. We ask that you prepare/deliver items in disposable containers.
11. Do you provide the plates, silverware and serving items?
Yes. When we serve meals “family style” we plate them and serve to the women onsite. We also prepare take away boxes as needed.
12. Are meals plated or do they need to be boxed/bagged
Either works well. The meals team leader will ask you to let us know what you are bringing and how it will need to be served.
13. Can I donate food and ingredients for use at NS?
We appreciate your willingness to donate food items to Natalie’s Sisters. However, we don’t have the space or capacity to store food or cook from scratch at the Drop-In Center. We cannot accept meals or food items without prior arrangement (through the Care Calendar). Please check with local Food Pantries if you have food to donate.
14. I think I (or my small group) want to give it a try. What’s next?
To sign up just go to our link below.
Logon: 251848 (Password: 2562)
Please only choose a breakfast or lunch option when providing a meal.
If you have any questions contact Melinda at melinda@nataliessisters.org