It helps that Demirel once ran a restaurant and both Demirel and Scharf have worked on homeless issues. So I changed my research focus. I may go back to studying these issues and may use these experiences in some way, but for now I've quit taking notes. I just enjoy feeding people. It is the one aspect of the project that has become an increasingly worrisome challenge.
Small grocers tend to be the best source, providing produce and other edibles.
But the recent closure of several groceries, coupled with changes in government surplus commodities distribution, has severely limited the group's food supply. Last week, we got no meat at all but we got 700 cans of applesauce. We have to be creative. And when necessary, volunteers head to a nearby grocery store to purchase other ingredients. Despite these challenges, the group continues to find their weekly effort immensely satisfying.