For many people, lining up for that first soup kitchen meal can be a difficult experience.
Dottie Laczny, a retired school cafeteria worker, recalled her feelings of distress five years ago when she first ventured in to get a hot meal from one of TASK’s community meal sites, Holy Apostles’ Episcopal Church, in Yardville, NJ.
“In the beginning, I was so embarrassed. I never needed help from anybody. Then everything went downhill,” Dottie said. “But then I met everyone, and they were so welcoming. I felt like I had another family.”
TASK’s “no questions asked” policy is designed to make it easier for people like Dottie to get help. In 40 years, TASK has never turned away anyone who has asked for a meal.
“All are welcome,” says TASK Executive Director Joyce Campbell. “TASK never requires proof of income. We’ve never discriminated, judged or charged folks for food. It’s what makes TASK special.”
“I remember when the pandemic hit, quite a few people suddenly found themselves out of work, and they didn’t have a nest egg. They were embarrassed when they showed up. We said, ‘Don’t be embarrassed. Come and get food,’” says Mark Dahlinger, who leads one of TASK’s community meal sites in Hightstown.
From day one, volunteers are schooled in TASK’s inclusive philosophy.
“I remind everyone that our job is to help people, not ask them why they are here,” Dahlinger explains. “The food is important, but being treated like a human being is even more important.”
TASK’s “no questions asked” policy has earned the trust of thousands over the last 40 years, helping TASK grow to a restaurant-style, take-out or dine-in food hub that serves 8,000 meals a week to 34 sites across Mercer County and into lower Bucks County.
Retired hairdresser Marie Homick learned about TASK from a friend and now encourages her acquaintances to come on down for a meal.
“I was apprehensive at first, but my friend kept telling me everybody’s friendly—they welcome you,” Homick recalls. “Now I tell others to try it and see. I’ve got friends who are having a hard time paying bills, rent. I tell them anyone can come. [TASK makes] you feel at home. They make you feel good. You have a sense of community.”
