Brian Wuthrich, left, and son, Josh, dish up meals with help from Chris Baker, Rachel Larson and Ashley Dillon. InkFreeNews Photos by Deb Patterson

By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

NORTH WEBSTER — The largest dinner distribution since March 29 was achieved Saturday evening at The Owls Nest, CR 800N, North Webster. Through the generous donations of numerous families and businesses, 1,100 meals were handed out.

Eugene, 1, was all smiles as he waited in line with his mother to get a dinner for them as well as his grandmother.

As seen with other food distributions, cars began arriving early. The first car, a load of ladies arrived around 1:50 p.m. for the 4 p.m. curbside service. Why did they come? “The food,” one of the ladies said. “We’re shut-ins mostly, it gives us a chance to talk and visit in the car,” another one chimed in. “What they are doing is very much appreciated,” said another.

Why were others lined up over an hour ahead of time? One said for the chicken. A woman who brought her young son added, “I’m a single mom and a little extra food helps us out.” She also was picking up a meal for her mother who is disabled.

The reasons were various. Some have been out of work or have had their hours reduced as a result of the pandemic. Others are retired and the stay-at-home order has been hard.

Chicken fried steak, corn and mashed potatoes and gravy or pulled pork sandwiches were also distributed to those on the front line – fire and EMS, nurses and doctors at the hospitals and a nursing home. Some came to pick up numerous dinners to take to shut-ins or to those who had no way of getting the food.

It didn’t take long to hand out the dinners, available either individually or for a family of four. But they also went away with a little extra. Tippy Creek Winery delivered 144 bottles of its non-alcoholic sparkling grape juice, giving away one bottle for every vehicle if the driver wanted.

Throughout the food giveaway, numerous expressions of appreciation were offered by the recipients. Those who felt it necessary gave back themselves with donations.