About Us

What is The Community Meal?

The Community Meal is a no cost, nutritious meal that is served every week at church locations in and around the Barrington area and Northwest suburbs.

What is The Community Meal's mission?

Our mission is to welcome ALL to the table. The simple act of sharing a meal together creates connections, relationships, strong neighborhoods and a larger community.

We gather at welcoming churches to showcase their programs and hospitality. Volunteers are fulfilled by serving their neighbors. Food is rescued and distributed to participants to overcome food insecurity.

What is The Community Meal's vision?

We want The Community Meal to feel like home to those who participate. A transformative welcoming place where folks find community that “feeds” the whole person - physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Our hope is that The Community Meal will expand beyond the northwest suburbs.

Is The Community Meal a non-profit organization?

In September 2011, The Community Meal became a 501 (c) (3) organization under the Internal Revenue Service. We are an all volunteer organization and 100% of donations go to food, supplies, and programming.

What other services do you provide?

In addition to a meal, The Community Meal also offers activities/resources to enrich guests' experiences.

Larger outdoor events like Trunk-or-Treat, Oktoberfest, Christkindlmarket, Movie nights and more!
We celebrate Veterans, School staff, local workers.
Live entertainment including string or brass quartets, and piano performances
Food stuffs at these churches:
St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Barrington once a month.
Messiah Lutheran Church, Wauconda once a month
Prince of Peace, Schaumburg quarterly

Who are The Community Meal team members?

Mary Sandner, Founder
Sandy Hasse, Program Director
Bob Hasse, Director of Finances
Anny Jamieson, IT Manager
Coordinators:
- Cliff and Marsha Storzbach
- Irene Toe
- Jeffrey Mantelman
- Jen Vinson
- Kelly Fojtik
- Lauri and Jeff Meckert
- Leslie Parsons
- Nancy Siepman

Why was The Community Meal founded?

NEEDS IN BARRINGTON

The Community Meal was founded in 2009 by Mary Sandner, shortly after joining the workforce

Mary became a council board chair at Lutheran Church of the Atonement. She attended a council retreat and a “community meal” idea came to light.
Mary realized she had neighbors, friends, and families in need – right here in Barrington, where they can share real experiences, real conversations, and real problems.

Who can I contact with questions?

Questions Regarding:

Sandy Hasse, Program Director

1-847-525-8004