Almost every Friday evening, the Grace and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church at 2927 Dixwell Ave. gives back to the Hamden community by hosting “Dinner for a Dollar.” The tradition has been going on for eight years and is aimed at helping people get a nutritious, cheap and good tasting meal.
“It’s not us giving to them,” said Allison Batson, a volunteer. “It’s we together.”
The event, which starts at 6 p.m. and ends around 7 p.m., is held in the basement of the church. Attendees say they come for the food and the feeling of community.
“The people are humble and friendly, no chaos, it’s peaceful,” said Willie, a frequent guest.
Student reporters sat down with Hamden residents who frequent the dinner to talk about their experience with food insecurity and what the event means to them. Hear their voices and stories below.
Fred: “Even though you’re among strangers, you don’t feel like you are.”
Renee: “They really make it feel like home on occasions.”
Nick: “It’s peaceful.”
Christy: “There were weeks when we came and we didn’t have the dollar.”
This article is part of a collaboration with Quinnipiac University’s School of Communications to report on hunger, food services and solutions in Hamden. If you would like a map of Hamden food banks and pantries or a calendar view, text HUNGER to 888111 or visit the Hamden Hunger Project website for more information.
To describe Allison Batson as a "volunteer" is technically correct, but way understates her contribution. She brought up the idea eight years ago, and luckily our pastor at the time, Amanda Gott, had the sense to let her run with it. Since then she has done an amazing job leading a group of harmonious, caring, and cheerful volunteers. She will never blow her own horn, so others sometimes have to.