The Gathering Place serves up a record number of breakfasts in one hour

The Gathering Place is busier than it has ever has been.

Monday morning, the Gathering Place served 162 breakfasts — the most meals the non-profit has served in one hour to date. 

This morning we served 162 breakfasts. This is the most meals we have served in one hour to date. The need for food in our community continues to grow daily. #tgp #feednorthbay #foodinsecurity pic.twitter.com/Alf2RdUfF6

— The Gathering Place (@TGPNorthBay) July 19, 2021

In its social media posts, the Gathering Place shares the organization's meal service statistics and the demand is staggering. According to the organization, "The need for food in our community continues to grow daily."

Recent meal counts for the week of July 5-11, show 2,122 meals were picked up from the Gathering Place, located at 1181 Cassells St. — where the organization says all are welcome. That's 436 breakfasts, 651 lunches, and 1,035 dinners — a daily average of 87 breakfasts, 130 lunches, and 173 dinners.

Looking back at June, the Gathering Place reports serving 9,010 meals, a daily average of 101 breakfasts, 124 lunches, and 162 dinners.

The Gathering Place often posts food staples and other necessities that they are finding to be in short supply despite the gracious donations from the public.

Currently, the staff and volunteers "really need plastic grocery bags and gift cards for food purchasing."

If you are in a position to help out, contact the Gathering Place at 705-474-7687 to set up a drop-off time or call upon arrival at the back gate.

A major contributor to the Gathering Place's ability to offer varied and healthy meal selections is the food rescue program, operated thanks to donations from local food establishments and stores.

A special thank you to all our Food Rescue donors, supporters & volunteers for allowing us to make such amazing & delicious meals for all our guests!
1181 Cassells St. Everyone is welcome #tgp #itstartswithfood #thepowerofgoodfood #plottoplate #communitysupport #tgpfoodrescue pic.twitter.com/VDkreNBtGV

— The Gathering Place (@TGPNorthBay) July 7, 2021

June saw over 13,000 pounds of food rescued from 16 local establishments. The Gathering Place, in turn, forwarded 1,754 pounds to seven different agencies. The Gathering Place notes the program "continues to be successful and is always growing."