In a remarkable display of community spirit, two churches in Northern Berkshire came together to provide Thanksgiving meals for those in need. On November 22, 2023, All Saints Episcopal Church celebrated its 41st year of delivering meals to seniors, while the Berkshire Food Project prepared over 200 takeout meals for distribution.
All Saints Episcopal Church’s Longstanding Tradition
The tradition of delivering Thanksgiving meals from All Saints Episcopal Church began with the Daugherty family, led by sisters Shannon and Aja Daugherty. Their mother, Diane Bleau, started the initiative, and now the sisters have taken the reins, coordinating meal prep and delivery with the help of their children and extended family. This year, they successfully delivered traditional roast turkey dinners to 244 seniors aged 60 and older in North Adams, Adams, Cheshire, Florida, and Williamstown.
Approximately 40 volunteers participated in the effort, with each driver delivering between four and seven meals. “We want them to go out hot,” Shannon emphasized, highlighting the commitment to providing warm meals to those who might otherwise spend the holiday alone.
Among the volunteers was Dick Dussatti, a retired letter carrier who has been delivering meals for four years. As he picked up his delivery list from Aja, Dussatti reflected on his long history with the residents of Ashland Street, many of whom he had known during his decades delivering mail. “I miss so many who are gone, but I got to meet so many,” he said, demonstrating the personal connections that form through such initiatives.
Berkshire Food Project’s Community Impact
Just around the corner, the Berkshire Food Project operated from the First Congregational Church, providing an additional layer of support. Executive Director Matt Alcombright reported that the project distributed approximately 200 ready-to-heat Thanksgiving meals during their lunch service. These meals were made possible through generous donations from local businesses, including turkeys from Baldor Foods and prepared by local restaurants such as Casita and Mezze Bar + Bistro.
As Alcombright noted, “Our goal is to have you come and eat; that is all we want you to do.” This welcoming philosophy is at the heart of the Berkshire Food Project, which began in the autumn of 1986 when students from Williams College collaborated with local residents to create a regular meal service at First Congregational Church.
Residents such as Emanuela Bunt, who picked up meals for her family and an extra for someone experiencing homelessness, expressed gratitude for the initiative. “It means that we get a Thanksgiving dinner we wouldn’t have otherwise,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of such community support.
The Berkshire Food Project is set to celebrate its 40th anniversary next year, and Alcombright highlighted the increasing need for accessible food resources in the community. He noted that many guests seek not just meals, but also a warm place to gather and connect. “Food breaks down a lot of barriers,” he said, reinforcing the project’s mission to foster relationships among community members.
Both All Saints Episcopal Church and the Berkshire Food Project exemplify the power of community engagement and support during the holiday season. Their dedication to serving those in need showcases how food can serve as a bridge, bringing together diverse members of the community and providing comfort during challenging times.
