Feeding 50 on the South Side: How One Church Does Sunday Dinner Cheap
An inspiring look at how a South Side church provides a delicious Sunday dinner for 50 people on a budget.
Feeding 50 on the South Side: How One Church Does Sunday Dinner Cheap
On Chicago’s South Side, community and faith often go hand-in-hand, and nowhere is this more evident than in the tradition of the Sunday dinner. For many churches, providing a warm, hearty meal for their congregation and neighbors is a cornerstone of their mission. But how does one church manage to feed 50 people a delicious Sunday dinner week after week, all on a shoestring budget? It’s a testament to smart planning, community spirit, and a lot of love.
The Strategy: Bulk Buying & Smart Menus
The secret to feeding a crowd affordably lies in strategic purchasing and menu planning. This particular South Side church focuses on dishes that are both filling and cost-effective, leveraging bulk buying power.
- Bulk Purchasing: The church often buys staples like rice, pasta, beans, and ground meat in large quantities from wholesalers or takes advantage of deep discounts at stores like Jewel-Osco when items are on sale. This significantly reduces the per-serving cost.
- Donations and Community Support: Local businesses, community gardens, and individual church members frequently donate fresh produce, pantry items, and even prepared foods. This network of generosity is crucial to their success.
- Volunteer Power: All the cooking, serving, and cleaning is done by dedicated volunteers. This eliminates labor costs, allowing more of the budget to go directly to food.
- Versatile Ingredients: Menus are designed around ingredients that can be stretched and adapted. For example, a large batch of seasoned ground meat can become the base for chili, spaghetti sauce, or tacos.
Sample Budget-Friendly Dishes
Here are examples of the kind of hearty, delicious meals this church often serves:
1. Hearty Chili or Soup
- Why it works: Inexpensive ingredients (beans, canned tomatoes, ground meat), easy to make in large quantities, and incredibly filling. Perfect for cold Chicago days.
- Cost-Saving Tip: Use dried beans soaked overnight instead of canned for even greater savings.
2. Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
- Why it works: Pasta is very affordable, and a rich meat sauce can be extended with plenty of vegetables like onions, peppers, and mushrooms.
- Cost-Saving Tip: Buy large bags of pasta when on sale. Use a mix of ground beef and ground turkey to reduce meat costs.
3. Baked Chicken with Rice and Vegetables
- Why it works: Chicken drumsticks and thighs are budget-friendly and bake well in large batches. Rice is an excellent filler, and frozen mixed vegetables are economical.
- Cost-Saving Tip: Look for family packs of chicken on sale at Jewel-Osco. Buy large bags of rice.
4. Large Salads
- Why it works: Fresh, crisp salads add a healthy component. Use affordable greens like iceberg or romaine, and load up on seasonal vegetables.
- Cost-Saving Tip: Make your own dressings from scratch using oil, vinegar, and herbs. Buy salad ingredients when they are on sale.
The Spirit of Giving
Beyond the food, what truly makes these Sunday dinners special is the spirit of generosity and community. It’s a place where everyone is welcome, and where a simple meal fosters connection and support. It’s a powerful example of how, with a little ingenuity and a lot of heart, a community can come together to ensure no one goes hungry.
If you’re inspired by this initiative, consider supporting similar programs in your own community, or even volunteering your time. Every little bit helps to make a big difference.