BIDDEFORD — The true measure of a caring community is the amount of compassion shown to all of its residents. And in Biddeford and Saco, one of the most visible demonstrations of caring for others is the long running Bon Appetit Community Meal Program.

Since its inception more than 25 years ago, Bob Appetit has offered those with food insecurity a decent place to sit and enjoy a meal at no charge and with no questions asked.  

Housed at the Second Congregational Church at 19 Crescent St. in Biddeford, the program provides free healthy well-balanced meals for individuals and families in need.

Bon Appeit’s Director of Services Deb Gagnon said doors open at 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday with dinner served at 5 p.m.

“We’ve had as many as 120 people and as few as 26 on any given night,” Gagnon said. “The average is about 75 and they are of all ages and all family sizes.”

Gagnon started as a cook with the program 10 years ago and now oversees Bon Appetit’s operations which is a complex mission and much more than just cooking food. It involves managing a budget, obtaining donations, ordering and picking up food supplies, serving the participants and washing dishes.

“We serve anyone in this community,” Gagnon said. “We don’t ask for their income. This is a group and not just a place to eat. We provide a family type meal and don’t turn anyone away.”

She said some of the program’s funding comes the participating cities of Biddeford and Saco, but a big chunk of their budget comes via donations.

“I can honestly say that all of the banks in this area have been very good in making donations to us,” Gagnon said. “We also have received help from charities and clubs, local gardeners, and many other local farms such as Frinklepod Farm in Arundel.”

Bon Appetit was launched as a Christmas dinner event in 1989 by community members concerned for those in need over the holidays. With so many families in need in the community, the program expanded to five nights a week and by 2008, was serving more than 18,000 meals a year at the Second Congregational Church location.

As Bon Appetit grew, the community meal program also became a great place for volunteers to demonstrate their commitment to their community.

According to Gagnon, volunteers come from all walks of life and range in age from high school students to retired bank presidents.

“Volunteers serve our guests and clean up after,” she said. “They are invaluable to us and are greatly appreciated.”

The Rev. Catherine Anglea, pastor of Second Congregational Church, says Bon Appetit is of utmost benefit to everyone living in this community.

“It’s a huge need for people to be able to have food access and to be part of this community,” Anglea said. “I often tell politicians and candidates that it’s one thing to take a tour of the kitchen, but to gain a real understanding and perspective, you have to sit, eat and listen to their stories.”   

In her position with the program, Gagnon said has heard some heart-wrenching stories and witnessed some success stories too.

“One family I know has been coming here for the past 10 years and they have really struggled,” she said. “This family lost their home when the landlord they were renting from sold it. Their daughter had just started school and they became homeless. She is a single mother and they had to go to a shelter, but couldn’t take their puppy there. She depends on her car to get to work and while all of this was happening, she found out that the car needs $600 for repairs.”

Gagnon said she’s also known six or seven program participants that have died through the years, but all of them received funerals because of the Second Congregational Church.

“I also knew a young lady who came here for a year, but then disappeared for about three months,” she said. “She came back in one night and said that she had saved her money, had bought a car and found a job to support herself.”

Bon Appetit tries to make its dinners as simple as possible and from time to time also hosts speakers and professionals that can offer specialized services such as blood pressure screenings and information about other community resources.

Gagnon said the program will accept any financial donation and currently is in need of coffee.

“We’re also going to offer a calendar with prizes soon as a fundraiser,” she said.  

For more information about the Bon Appetit Community Meal Program or to make a donation, call 205-0995 or visit their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Bon-Appetit-Community-Meal-Program-349795978466086/

— Executive Editor Ed Pierce can be reached at 282-1535 ext. 326 or by email at [email protected]