From left to right: Sandra Soare (Project Food), Richard Wing (Riverside Free Clinic), Sharon Alexander, and Kristin Fontaine (RCC). (Courtesy of Mario Sandoval)
For 40 years, Project Food has served meals to those in need from the basement of First Congregational Church (FCCR) on Lemon and Mission Inn Avenue. Each Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., a diverse group gathers for a free meal and essential supplies.
The atmosphere resembles a bustling high school cafeteria, a casual dignity of people gathering and eating. A community of volunteers ensures everyone is fed. Sandra Soares, Project Food chairperson, said, "Many guests are food insecure, not homeless. They may struggle to feed extended households or must prioritize rent and utilities over groceries."
Rain affected turnout during a recent Wednesday, with volunteers serving around 50 people. Soares said pre-pandemic numbers reached 200 meals. Volunteers include church members and community members. ""Project Food is a ministry of this church, but it belongs to the community,"" Soares said.
The church'schurch's role extends beyond the basement. Bi-weekly on Wednesdays, the Riverside Free Clinic (RFC) transforms the rest of the church into a medical hub. For 21 years, the clinic has provided no-cost medical and mental health services.
Matching those who need services and those who can provide them is at the heart of what RFC does. This creates a situation of mutual benefit, offering valuable clinical experience to students while fulfilling medical needs in the community.
Richard Wing, co-founder of the Riverside Free Clinic, said, "Community health services are only half of our mission. We also provide vital training for healthcare students. It's a symbiotic relationship."
Riverside Free Clinic offers a wide range of services, including:
Diabetes and Hypertension Management
Dental
Hygiene kits and feminine products
Nutrition counseling
Drug discount cards
Family Planning services through Riverside Universal Health Systems
Medical-specific interpretive services
"Our long-term patients, particularly those with conditions like diabetes, take ownership of their health," Wing said. "They actively manage their chronic illnesses."
The Church foyer serves as a triage areafor the clinic, where patients are assessed and directed to the appropriate services. Labs and pharmaceuticals are the clinic'sclinic's largest expenses.
These organizations fill a vital role in the city, providing essential services for those who might otherwise go without. In a city where needs are diverse, the church at Lemon and Mission Inn stands as a beacon of community support. If you would like to be a direct part of that support, you can help Project Food on the Project Food Amazon Wishlist.
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