Getting a meal? Give a meal, too

SANDPOINT — A local group of volunteers, organizations and area restaurants are banding together to provide donated meals to people economically impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

The “Get a Meal, Give a Meal” program was created by a group of women who wanted to do something positive for people and businesses in and around the Greater Sandpoint area affected by closures and the statewide stay-at-home order.

The program allows people who purchase food from participating restaurants to also pay for an extra meal for someone in need. That not only helps keep people fed, it also helps the restaurants stay open.

The Sandpoint Community Resource Center has agreed to assist with connecting people with donated meals. Stacey Mueller, volunteer coordinator, said their organization is excited to join in the effort.

“The Sandpoint Community Resource Center’s heartbeat is to connect people in need with the resources available in our community. We have trained staff to answer calls for families in need of meals and a system in place to connect their need to the ‘Get a Meal, Give a Meal’ program,” Mueller said.

Other sponsors of the program who have helped with information and advertising costs include the Bonner County Daily Bee, 350Sandpoint.org, East Bonner County Library District, Bonner County Human Rights Task Force, and The Reader.

Participating restaurants include Arlo’s, Bistro at Home, the Burger Dock, DiLuna’s Café, Eichardt’s, Heart Bowls, MickDuff’s Brewing Company, Pie Hut, Soul Picnic Food Truck, Sweet Lou’s, and Tango Cafe.

When you place your order with a participating restaurant,ask them how you can add a meal for someone in need to your order.

Duffy Mahoney of MickDuff’s Brewing Co. is very supportive of the program, as are other restaurant owners.

”Why would anyone say no?” he said. “We should do anything we can to help people out.”

Other restaurants may join the program going forward. For a current list of restaurants, go to 350Sandpoint.org.

If you or someone you know is interested in receiving a free meal, contact the Sandpoint Community Resource Center at 208-920-1840 or email gethelp@sandpointcommunityresource.com.

Although the center’s building is closed, someone should respond within 24 hours.

Restaurants not yet participating that want to join the program may contact Carrie Clayton at carclay2@gmail.com or Jean Gerth at Jean@350Sandpoint.org.