Saint Vincent community meals return

Saint Vincent College-hosted community meals are back.

The free lunches, which were paused when the pandemic hit, are open to any community member who is looking for food and fellowship. They will take place on the second Saturday of each month at Holy Family Church in Latrobe.

“This gives (attendees) the opportunity to be among other people and see the college students,” said Jody Marsh, Saint Vincent director of global and community engagement.

The Unity college began the program in 2009 to address food insecurity and create social opportunities. Marsh participated as a volunteer before the pandemic and now organizes the lunches.

About 50 people attended the first meal when they resumed in October, Marsh said. About half of those people hadn’t attended a community meal before the pandemic.

Food is provided by the Westmore­land Food Bank and Marsh, and the dishes are prepared by Marsh, Saint Vincent students and other volunteers. Partners of the program include the Saint Vincent Basilica, Holy Family Parishes, Latrobe Presbyterian, Faith in Action and local Boy Scouts.

Marsh believes the program helps Saint Vincent make an impact in the Latrobe area.

“It’s good to build community for the college,” she said. “I think sometimes we’re so cloistered up on the campus.

“It helps our students get out into the community.”

Students don’t just prepare the food — they also eat with community members when the meal starts at 11:30 a.m.

Tayler McNeal, a Saint Vincent student from Toledo, Ohio, volunteered during the October lunch. The junior helped make the apple crisp, set tables and clean up.

As a recent transfer student, McNeal said he was grateful for the opportunity to get to know some community members.

“Since I’m new here, it’s been kind of slow meeting people,” McNeal said. “It was good talking to people.”

The next community meal will take place Nov. 12. Saint Vincent plans to serve Thanksgiving food to attendees.