Providing Nourishing and Sustainable Meals: Norwood, MA
Exemplifying the teachings of their spiritual teacher Sri Sathya Sai Baba on selfless service, members of the Sri Sathya Sai Center of Norwood, MA have been steadfast supporters of Father Bill’s & Main Spring (FBMS) Shelter’s bagged lunch program for over 20 years.
Every two weeks, rain or shine, dedicated center members, including enthusiastic students of the Sai Spiritual Education (SSE), gather to prepare 100 wholesome sandwich meals for those in need.
Each meal, packed in sustainable brown paper bags, includes a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, an apple, a bag of chips, juice and a napkin. This transition from plastic ziplock pouches to paper bags was driven by a "Go Green" initiative and has fostered the need for sustainability of the environment among all members, especially the children.
Furthermore, the meals are prepared entirely with organic and natural ingredients, reflecting a growing understanding of the benefits of organic food among center members.
The SSE children play an active role - packing the sandwiches, counting the meals, helping load the boxes into cars for transport to the Brockton Shelter, all of which support FBMS’s mission to end homelessness and provide essential nutrition.
This service, sustained over twenty years by the unconditional love and support of all center members, embodies Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s mission of "Love All, Serve All." By prioritizing eco-friendly packaging and nutritious food choices, the initiative addresses both human needs and environmental responsibility.
The enthusiasm of the SSE children and the unwavering dedication of the volunteers transform these meals into more than just providing sustenance; they ingrain kindness, cultivate empathy and responsibility in the younger generation.