Plowshares Community Dining Center Marks 40 Years of Service

The Plowshares Community Dining Center in Ukiah, California, is celebrating over 40 years of commitment to its mission: ensuring that no one in the community goes hungry. Founded on November 14, 1983, by Sister Jane Kelly, the organization has evolved from a small operation feeding the needy out of a station wagon into a cherished nonprofit, recently honored as the Best Place to Volunteer and Best Non-Profit in Lake and Mendocino Counties for 2024.

Today, Plowshares serves free, hot lunches daily, adhering to the principle established by its co-founder: providing meals to anyone in need, with no questions asked. Over 100 volunteers contribute to this effort, preparing and serving meals while also managing the “Meals on Wheels” program that delivers food to homebound seniors.

Executive Director Michelle Shaw emphasized the growing demand for services, noting that the number of meals served annually has surged from 60,000 to 102,250 during her seven-and-a-half years in the role. This increase reflects a broader trend in food insecurity, exacerbated recently by changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which have resulted in a 25% rise in guests seeking assistance since October 22, 2023.

Expanding Services and Community Support

Originally, Plowshares offered lunch only on weekdays, but local churches and community organizations have stepped in to provide weekend meals. On Saturdays, the 7th Day Adventist Church prepares meals, while various groups, including the Ukiah Presbyterian Church and the Tzu Chi Foundation, take turns on Sundays.

Shaw expressed gratitude for this collaboration, stating, “It was my dream and the dream of everyone who preceded me that we would someday offer meals 365 days a year.” This community support has been vital in ensuring that the most vulnerable populations receive the assistance they need.

The Meals on Wheels program, initiated by the late Ronda de los Santos, is particularly noteworthy. It delivers approximately 73,000 meals annually to homebound seniors, offering not just food, but also social interaction. “Visits from our volunteers are sometimes the only human contact our local seniors receive,” Shaw explained. This program helps seniors remain in their homes longer and alleviates the financial burden on families.

Thanksgiving and Ongoing Needs

As Thanksgiving approaches, Plowshares prepares for its annual Thanksgiving Feast, a tradition that has continued for 42 years. The organization sends out a “Winter Appeal” newsletter to local residents, urging them to support fundraising efforts and to donate food items for the holiday meal. Shaw highlighted the pressing need for contributions, especially given the recent spikes in demand.

The organization relies heavily on donations from local businesses, including Raleys, Safeway, and Walmart, which provide essential supplies for daily meals. Shaw noted, “We are just now formalizing a relationship with Ukiah Grocery Outlet for weekly produce donations.” These partnerships are crucial in maintaining the quality and quantity of meals served.

Plowshares also supports local initiatives, such as providing meals to the Boys and Girls Club of Ukiah when schools are closed. The community garden, staffed by volunteers, supplements the lunchtime menu and promotes sustainable practices.

In reflecting on the legacy of Sister Jane Kelly, Shaw remarked, “She was a force of nature.” Kelly’s advocacy for the marginalized remains a guiding principle for Plowshares. Many volunteers and patrons, like Fred Innerebner, who has been coming since the early days, credit her dedication for the center’s existence and success.

As Shaw prepares for the upcoming holiday season, she emphasizes the importance of community support. “Thanksgiving is our call to action. We encourage everyone to make room at your table for one more.” Donations can be made through their website or by mailing checks to Plowshares, ensuring that the mission to combat hunger continues for another year.

Plowshares remains committed to its vision, providing a welcoming environment where everyone is treated with dignity. As Shaw succinctly put it, “Don’t be hungry on Thanksgiving Day or any day. If you’re caught between a rock and a hard place, come eat with us.”