Community Meal
Mondays & Wednesdays- 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
St. Paul’s Community Meal program has become a staple in the community. Currently feeding 500-600 guests weekly, this amazing program welcomes all. From those who are food insecure, to local families in need, or anyone simply in need of a break & a bite to eat. Our incredible volunteers go out of their way to make personal connections with our guests, and the community itself. From the first moment you walk through our doors, you’re family.
How can YOU help?
We are always in need of donations!
We also frequently need grocery bags and volunteers.
Do you want to volunteer? Our kitchen volunteers are a cohesive, culinary dream team working tirelessly to prepare a variety of delicious entrees & side dishes to feed all who need.
The volunteers assisting in the Parish Hall engage members of the community in friendly conversations in order to forge genuine relationships that go beyond “just a meal.”
Interested in volunteering? Click the link above to contact our team.
Our Story...
The program was created by Jack & Kerry Jo Hanstein under the name “Feed My Sheep” back in the summer of 1998- Serving an estimated 25 people in the Parish Hall with only 2-3 volunteers. Debi Hall took over leadership and coordinating volunteers as the program was re-named “The Community Meal” back in 2005, serving approximately 50-60 people per week .
In 2009, the program took on a wide-scale remodeling requiring extensive grant-writing and fundraising as it continued to grow. In 2020, the program shifted to a “to go” dynamic throughout the pandemic. The need greatly grew amongst the community and the Community Meal team adjusted quickly, never missing a beat.
Debi Hall retired in 2019, passing the program over to Donna Marshall. Catherine & Leo Harrod saw the need for a second day and coordinated that in tandem with Donna.
In 2024, a water refill station was installed- the only one in downtown Benicia.
The Community Meal now serves nearly 600 people weekly, Mondays and Wednesdays!
