Community meals resuming in September

Everyone is welcome to drop by the Blaine Community Center for a free meal every Wednesday starting on September 4.

The hot and nutritious meals will be served from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at 763 G Street in Blaine on Wednesdays (except for holidays). The program, which runs until May, is operated by the Community Assistance Program (CAP) with help from local churches, individuals and organizations.

“The goal of the program is just to provide a place where people in the community can come together, can connect with one another and have a good meal,” said CAP volunteer Laura Vogee. “Part of it is about social connections. Part of it is about helping people who need a meal budget-wise. The program meets a lot of different needs.”

Vogee encouraged people new to the Blaine community to drop by. Because the location is near the school district and the Boys and Girls Club, she also encouraged students and kids to attend with their families. “After the kids are done with sports, parents can pick up their kids and have a family meal before they head home,” she said.

This is the eighth year of the program, which attracts 80 to 120 people every week. While the meals are free of charge, monetary donations are accepted to help support the program, which involves about a dozen groups working on a rotating schedule.

Teams come from the Blaine Christian Fellowship, Blaine United Church of Christ, Christ the King Community Church – Blaine and North Bay, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Comphy Company, Freedom Community Church, Grace Lutheran Church, HomeSmart Realty – Ferndale, Nature’s Path, Northwood Alliance Church, Saint Anne’s Catholic Church and Semiahmoo Resort.

New teams are welcome, and those interested in starting a team can email communitymeals@blainecap.org for more information. Those who are interested in volunteering, but who are not part of an established team, may request to be added to a list of volunteers called when teams need extra help.

For more information about the Community Meals program, or to view the weekly menu, please visit blainecap.org.