About Us

What is The Community Meal?

The Community Meal is a no-cost meal served two or three times a month in the Barrington area and surrounding suburbs.

What is The Community Meal's mission?

Our mission is to build community and provide a nutritious meal for all who attend. We gather at welcoming churches to showcase their programs and offerings. Volunteers from all over the community cook, serve, and clean up for their new friends.

What is The Community Meal's vision?

We want The Community Meal to expand beyond the northwest suburbs with the help of churches, community centers and people like you.

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 is the new “Park/Pick up” meal ministry?

In 2023, we will offer the Park/Pick up stations where participants can pick-up their meal(s). These stations are located indoors near the indoor dining. We want to encourage you to sit down and meet your neighbors in this welcoming setting.

In addition to a no cost meal, The Community Meal also offers activities to enrich guests' experiences.

Free vegetables from local community gardens
Nonperishable food items
Holiday-themed celebrations and giveaways
Live entertainment including piano performances
Therapy dogs or miniature horses outdoors
And more

Who are The Community Meal team members?

Mary Sandner, Founder
Sandy Hasse, Coordinator
Horner Chen
Kate Coffman
Bob Hasse
Anny Jamieson
Bridget Lacson
Nancy Langlois
Nancy Siepman

Cliff Storzbach
Barb Wagner

When was The Community Meal founded?

Mary Sandner’s journey to founding The Community Meal began when she graduated from college. After working for a year, she was laid off. While applying for jobs, she became a council board chair at Lutheran Church of the Atonement. Mary attended a council retreat and a “community meal” idea came to light. Mary began to realize she had neighbors, friends, and families in need – right here in Barrington. She desired to bring the residents of Barrington and other comunities together to not only share a meal, but also share real experiences, real conversations, and real problems. With the support of BAMA and Lutheran Church of the Atonement, The Community Meal was born. You will be happy to know that Mary is employed and she not only found a career but she found her purpose in life.