A Plate of Purpose - Fort Collins Rescue Mission

A meal provides nourishment for our guests and participants at the Mission and Harvest Farm, but even more, it helps build a sense of community and purpose to help on the pathway out of homelessness.

The Meaning of a Meal

Every day, but especially during the holidays, something special happens when we see our guests share a meal. The best way Chef Rica Blanc describes it is, “like a parent who’s thrilled to watch their child get the Christmas present they want.”

“It’s kind of the same thing,” she said, “because you know that these guys are not spending Christmas out on the street in potential snow or freezing.”

That’s the power of a meal—it invites people in, someone who may be feeling lonely, hungry, cold, and hopeless. That’s why each of our chefs pour their heart into every meal they make, all year long.

“We don’t know what they went through that day. We don’t know if they’ve eaten at all or eaten out of a dumpster,” Rica said. “So being able to provide a hot meal means everything.”

Fifteen to 20 New Life Program participants at a time work in the kitchen for their work readiness, where they come up with, create and share meals alongside others in the program.

“It means everything. I’ve had guys tell me that the meal made them feel like they were home again.”
Chef Rica, Fort Collins Rescue Mission

Another northern Colorado chef said that making or sharing a meal is a significant part of recovery. “When you’re standing there chopping onions next to somebody, they open up. They can vent and be among people who aren’t going to make them feel judged,” he said. “The camaraderie of sharing a meal opens a lot of doors.” Chef Ryan Hamilton added, “It’s a sense of being accepted because everyone here has walked a very similar path.”

Cooking meals gives many participants a reason to be proud of themselves, and for our chefs, it goes beyond simple nourishment. One program participant even got emotional while making muffins and cupcakes.

“He started tearing up because he had never done anything like that before,” Ryan said. “My favorite part about this job is the men I get to cook with, the men I get to feed. That is what keeps me looking forward to coming to work every single day.”

“To the guys who make the food, it’s a sense of accomplishment. For the guys in the cafeteria, they’re very grateful.”
Chef Ryan, Harvest Farm

The Making of a Meal

Donate

Food prices have increased. Our chefs rely on donors to give financially and to donate much-needed ingredients. And thanks to community partners like Food Bank of Larimer County, we are able to prepare breakfast, lunch (only at the Farm) and dinner every single day.

Prepare

Each day our chefs work together to prepare the meals, starting their day at 4 a.m. They look at the ingredients available to them across the Mission’s facilities—including in Denver and the Farm’s greenhouse—to provide nourishing meals and prevent food waste.

Serve

Each meal is served by volunteers at the Mission and New Life Program (NLP) participants whose work readiness is in the kitchen at Harvest Farm.

” The kitchen was the best thing that happened to me because you work hard, and you get to help others.”
Andrew NLP Graduate

95% Zero Waste Kitchen

This is the goal we are working towards by composting everything except meat, coffee grinds and eggshells to then use to help feed pigs and other animals at Harvest Farm.

Christmas Day at the Farm

New Life Program participants and many of their families come to the Farm on Christmas day to enjoy a special meal together.

“Seeing the men who may not have had the best holidays in the past, and their families come, and they all sit down and share a meal—it’s an amazing experience. It’s just smiles all around the room.” -Ryan

“Last year, we had an amazing donor who got me $3,000 worth of prime rib that I could serve for Christmas. I can’t even put into words how great it was to see these guys having a meal like that.” -Rica

This is the goal we are working towards by composting everything except meat, coffee grinds and eggshells to then use to help feed pigs and other animals at Harvest Farm.

Ready to Change Lives?

This Christmas, your generosity can make the biggest difference for those who are experiencing homelessness. Remind our neighbors in need that they aren’t forgotten by donating today!

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