Meal Distribution at St. Vinny’s Bistro: San Antonio, TX
Since the end of April 2020, members of the Sathya Sai Center of San Antonio, TX, along with members of the Shirdi Sai Temple, have helped prepare hot meals every week for distribution to a shelter in downtown San Antonio, TX. The meal typically consists of rice, a vegetable dish and a fruit. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, precaution is taken to ensure that the items are procured, cooked and distributed with strict adherence to safety and social distancing guidelines. Two members pick up the raw materials each week. The volunteers have sought permission to use a commercial grade kitchen, work in shifts to prepare the meals and package them for subsequent distribution to approximately 600 recipients.
The shelter, called St. Vinny's Bistro , is operated by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, which is dedicated to serving the homeless, and ensuring that they are treated with kindness, respect and compassion. The bistro was created to provide three hot, nutritional meals each day, 365 days a year, serving an average of 1,100 to 1,400 meals per day. As they rely heavily on volunteers to help them meet their goals, the Archdiocese values their partnership with dedicated organizations like the Sathya Sai Center of San Antonio whose members are willing to donate time and food.
Martin O’Connor, the CEO of St Vinny’s Bistro, expressed his heart-felt appreciation for the kindness and generosity of the Sai volunteers in feeding the homeless in the community, and felt grateful for the commitment of the Center members. Lorris Gibson Jr., the Executive Chef, thanked the Sai volunteers for their hard work and dedication in procuring supplies and cooking wonderful dinners for the past 2 months. He shared, “Your group has been such an inspiration to the Bistro and me. You're such an important part of our organization, and I hope you know that we would love to continue our partnership for years to come.”
Dhananjay Nikkam, a member of the Sai Center, who has participated every week said, “It is an honor and privilege to be a part of this wonderful food service initiative to help the needy at this moment of need. Personally, it was an uplifting experience to be a part of the larger team, and doing God’s work.”