Community Meals
Every third Saturday of the month, SILO hosts a free meal for the community. SILO’s monthly community meals bring people together from all walks of life in a fun and festive environment.
The location and time changes each month, so be sure to check out our calendar to see details for each meal.
Thirteen years ago, SILO started hosting monthly meals to gather together people who could use a free meal or friends. These meals have grown in popularity over the years, but the culture of the event remains the same- creating a welcoming space to share a meal. Kids play games, teens sing karaoke and seniors sit back to watch it all. The meals create a beautiful community that crosses conventional boundaries of gender, race and economic status, and creates a playful third space where attendees casually interact and build community with people unlike themselves.
SILO’s community meals foster social bonds, promote inclusivity and strengthen community ties by providing a shared space for people to come together over food. The meals also foster a sense of belonging attendees may not otherwise experience in their lives. Simple actions, like singing “Happy Birthday” to our friends each month, helps everyone feel celebrated and valued which can have unmeasured impact.
Everyone is welcome at these pop-up meals that take place in the park in the summer and the middle school cafeteria in the winter. Despite needing to pause indoor meals during COVID, we have now resumed year-round meals which have grown in popularity and range from 200-450 people per month.
Many meals are cooked by volunteers, while some are purchased from local restaurants. Any leftovers from the meal are packed for attendees as well as delivered to home-bound friends who could not attend in person. Countless volunteers ensure these special events provide a good meal and meaningful connection to everyone in attendance.
Friends often receive more than just a free meal at the monthly event. SILO also gives out donated items at the meal such as fresh produce and used and new clothing and coats.
SILO proactively reaches out to friends who are isolated and lonely to invite them to the meal to ensure they remain socially connected and their needs are met. Friends who would otherwise be shut off from the world, depressed and unproductive, find purpose, connection and community through SILO’s monthly meal.
Kids Activities
Every SILO meal has activities and games for kids. When we have room to play outside, we play catch, have three legged races and do sidewalk chalk. Indoor play includes legos, puzzles and cars.
Volunteer
Looking to give back to the community and not sure where to start? Join us for a meal and help us clean up afterward.
