The Love Language of Food

THE SHARE A MEAL PROGRAM

“I don’t think there has been a Share a Meal event that has gone by without a guest thanking the Share a Meal team without getting choked up. The amount of gratitude that is felt is tangible.” -Heather Moison, Share a Meal Coordinator

In December of 2022, Paul and Alison Weber served the first family style dinner at JoeAnna’s House- a homemade spaghetti bolognaise and a tiramisu imported from Italy. The guests were so touched they gave a standing ovation. While it may have been a delightful end to the inaugural Share a Meal dinner, it was only the beginning of what has become an act of love for many more.

Since that first meal, JoeAnna’s House has hosted 32 Share a Meal events where volunteer groups come in to cook a thoughtful and homemade dinner for guests, comprised of the families of patients who’ve had to travel to KGH for advanced care. Many groups even make additional freezer meals for guests to continue to enjoy after the evening is over.

During their stay, guests are so focused on caring for their loved ones that their wellbeing often takes a back seat. These meals serve as a way for community members to support and nurture the caretakers.

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Meals Served to guests

“Knowing that someone has taken time out of their day to provide this level of comfort is a powerful experience,” shares Heather Moison, Share a Meal Coordinator. “The Share a Meal Program gives a sense of community to our guests when they are navigating some of their most difficult days away from their home and the support of their home community.”

Since its inception, the Share a Meal Program has provided a source of support for the guests of JoeAnna’s House. Aside from coming home to a nutritious meal that was prepared especially for them, they also get a chance to connect with other guests, who may be navigating similar situations with their loved one in the hospital.

“The Share a Meal Program gives the sense of community to our guests when they are navigating some of their most difficult days away from their home and the support of their home community,” states Heather Moison, Share a Meal Coordinator.

The staff and volunteers of JoeAnna’s House often describe the House as ships passing in the night, as they spend so much time tending to their loved ones in the hospital. The Share a Meal evenings are different. Excitement can be felt as guests begin to gather for dinner Experiences are shared and connected are formed that are often last beyond the meal.

“The amount of gratitude that is felt is tangible, knowing that someone has taken the time out of their day to provide this level of comfort is a powerful experience,” shares Moison.

Studies show the significant positive effects that group dinners have on ones health and happiness- proving we are all Better Together. These meals provide families with an opportunity to connect, nourish, laugh, and share during an extremely difficult time.

What began with a tiramisu from Italy has grown into countless connections, comforted hearts, and full stomachs for JoeAnna’s House families when they need it most.