Social Justice Activities

The Community Meal began in the fall of 2000. The program is coordinated by The Social Justice Action Group (SJAG) -- a group of Grinnell college students, along with Rev. Deanna Shorb, Chaplain of Grinnell College; Rev. Susan Leathem, Religious Life Intern; and Amy Graves, Coordinator of the Community Service Center at Grinnell College. The meal is served on Tuesdays from 5:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. in the Davis Elementary School Cafeteria and is free of charge. It is open to anyone who wishes to come. The purpose of the meal is to build community and provide a hot meal to those who may need it as well as to the community at large.
At 3:30 p.m. the driveway service door on the Main Street side of Davis School is unlocked so that meal preparation may begin. Cleanup is usually completed by 7:00 - 7:30 p.m. and the door is locked. There is always at least one SJAG representative available to help where needed.
Each Tuesday volunteers prepare food for 125-175 people. Basic kitchen equipment, suitable for cooking for a large crowd, is available in the Davis kitchen. There is an industrial, eight burner, gas stove as well as two gas ovens and one convection in the kitchen. There is also an industrial size dishwasher for cleanup. All used dishes must go through this machine. Some items that your group may want to use, but are not available include: spatulas for flipping, frying pans, a full set of measuring spoons, a food processor, a grater, etc.
Davis has utensils, bowls, and food trays that are used for serving the meal. SJAG provides cups, napkins, and salt and pepper shakers. Meals are generally served by volunteers in a buffet style. Folks may then eat wherever they wish on the cafeteria's tables.
SJAG will provide a five-gallon cooler with a cold drink as well as white and chocolate milk.
There are usually leftovers, people are delighted to take food home to share with family and friends or have another meal for themselves. SJAG has a very limited supply of containers for this purpose. Food that is not distributed may be stored in the SJAG pantry, refrigerator or freezer in the basement.