At north country ‘Dollar Dinners’ food is best love of all

A dollar dinner plate of potatoes, meatloaf, diced peas and carrots, and a roll are placed in the community dining area of the Watertown First Presbyterian Church. Photo by Amanda Morrison/NNY Living.

“If you really want to make a friend, go to someone’s house and eat with him … the people who give you their food give you their heart.”
– Cesar Chavez

In most cultures, preparing food for others symbolizes affection and caring. We bring casseroles to families who have suffered a loss, we give gifts of food at the holidays, deliver boxes of food to those in need and make soup for our friends when they are sick. When you cook for people you are not only feeding them, you are giving them your time and your heart. Now, more than ever before, our time is precious. Between work, chauffeuring children, housekeeping, errands, helping with homework, Cub Scout activities — the list goes on and on — taking the time to prepare a home-cooked meal speaks volumes.

My boys have always gone to school with a lunch that I have made for them. Occasionally Tucker will ask to buy lunch, but generally both boys prefer to brown bag it. One morning we were all running a little behind (read: totally overslept). While frantically shoving breakfast at the boys and barking at them to move faster, I suggested that this might be a good day to buy lunch at school. Silence, and then “don’t you love us?” [Read more...]