Take and Eat
Grace leans against the kitchen counter at CBI and with a sparkle in her eyes says, "I'm making comfort food." As chef par excellence of the Take and Eat program, Grace has been in charge of cooking food for up to 125 people one Sunday each month since August of 2010. She says, "Here's an action shot for you" as she pours hot liquid into a huge pot disappearing into an enveloping cloud of steam. I take the photo and we both grin. She's definitely in her element!
Grace has followed the same recipe for years. New menus have been tried, but she says that, "People objected. They look forward to our meatloaf every month. " Today Grace used 30 pounds of hamburger, a dozen eggs, soft mushrooms and topped it off with 2 1/2 pounds of her homemade gravy. This month the famous "Grace meatloaf" will be delivered to 85 people whose access to food for a host of reasons is compromised. Many are elderly. The meatloaf is light on salt and pepper. Some clients have difficulty chewing and one is blind. It is designed for easy eating.
Ed Oshinsky was happily organizing the effort of a busy group of volunteers. He sat at a table covered with client assignments for the drivers that would take the meals to North Adam addresses. Ed was obviously enjoying himself, making sure that all went smoothly today and planning for the years ahead. While Ed is in Maryland for the Winter, Amy Filson takes over leadership of the program. Take and Eat is funded by private donations and grants from the City of North Adams and the Jewish Women Foundation of Berkshire County.
In May of 2011, the Reform Movement Commission on Social Action presented the Fain Award to the CBI Take and Eat program at the Religious Action Center's Consultation on Conscience, held in Washington, D.C. Ed was there!
- Len Radin
photo - Len Radin
Ed Oshinsky
