SHARE YOUR STORY
How have you helped others during this challenging time? Share your story for a chance to be featured.
SHARE YOUR STORY
How have you helped others during this challenging time? Share your story for a chance to be featured.
Together, we will get our momentum back.
COUNTRY HOUSE SERVES MORE THAN 2,500 FREE MEALS A DAY
When Paul Boundas, co-owner of Country House Restaurant in Alsip, IL, had to close in-restaurant dining services to promote social distancing, he saw an opportunity to use the food remaining in the company’s pantry to do some good. He transitioned to providing free meals, hand-delivered, to nearby house-bound seniors, who called in based on seeing the restaurant’s Facebook post.
The phones just kept ringing. “This is just the way we operate. We’re a community business, we’re the place that everyone knows. Our community was in need, so we stepped up,” said Boundas. A Go Fund Me page was started, and food suppliers began donating products that otherwise would have gone to waste.
Soon, the south suburban Country House was serving more than 2,500 free meals per day, out of four locations. The restaurant, which also has a business providing on-campus food services for local schools, was well-equipped to pivot to large-scale meal production to benefit their community.
Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights, IL, was transitioned to a free meal pick-up center. Boundas’ staff used the cafeteria to make to-go meals, while anyone in need with children under 18 could pick up free meals curbside. St. Laurence High School in Burbank, IL, was also transitioned to a free veteran and child meal pick-up location.
Out of their main location and Gilhooley’s Grande Saloon on the St. Xavier University campus, Country House is providing free soup pick up for all, and free senior and veteran meal delivery and pick up. They also offer a limited pick-up and delivery menu with reasonable prices, for the rest of the community.
“The gratefulness of our customers keeps us going,” said Boundas. “The best in everybody has been brought out by this crisis. It’s humbling to be a part of.” If you would like to donate, or volunteer to make food deliveries, visit the Country House website to learn more.
