For more than 40 years, the Plowshares Community Dining Center has faithfully adhered to its mission:
“That no one in our community go hungry.” “To operate a community-supported facility where services, advocacy, and education help eliminate the causes of hunger and poverty. “To maintain a supportive and consistent environment where all are treated with respect, justice and dignity.”
What started out on November 14,1983, as a humble effort to feed the hungry out of the back of a station wagon is now one of Lake and Mendocino County’s most beloved non-profits- voted by “Best of Lake and Mendocino” participants as both Best Place to Volunteer and Best Non-Profit in 2024. Today, the organization serves and prepares a free, hot lunch served to anyone with no questions asked- the bottom-line tenet of Plowshares co-founder Sister Jane Kelly. Over 100 volunteers cook and serve the daily hot lunch. Others pack meals and take the “Meals on Wheels” directly to the homes of frail elderly community members. “We have 34 volunteers just on Mondays,” says executive director Michelle Shaw. “We are a small staff of 6, but a mighty workforce of over 100.”
This Thanksgiving Day, like all 42 previous holidays, Plowshares will serve its annual Thanksgiving Feast. And every year at this time, Plowshares creates a “Winter Appeal” newsletter, which is sent out to all local zip code addresses. It is one of several annual fundraising efforts, but the one that is most likely to inspire support of long-term donors and volunteers. It’s also a time to ask for food donations to support the Thanksgiving Meal.
Shaw notes that food insecurity has continued to increase in the seven-and-a-half years she has served as director.
“Since I began with Plowshares, the number of meals we serve annually has increased from 60,000 to 102,250. That’s almost double,” she notes. And like all food-adjacent organizations, Plowshares has seen an increase in need during the chaos surrounding SNAP benefits. “Since the announcement of all the SNAP issues on October 22nd, we’ve seen a 25% increase in guests coming to our dining room. It literally happened overnight. At the beginning of the month, our numbers are always a little lower, and by the end of the month, more people come to the dining room. But starting with October, it’s been like the end of the month, all of the time.”
For many, many years, there was only enough support to provide a hot, nutritious lunch Monday through Friday. But now, local churches and religious groups have taken up the slack.
“On Saturdays, the 7th Day Adventist Church prepares an afternoon meal. On Sundays, the duties rotate between a number of groups: The Ukiah Presbyterian Church, First Baptist Church, Ukiah Quaker Community, the Inland Jewish Community, the Welcome Home Sangha, and the Tzu Chi Foundation. “It was my dream and the dream of everyone who preceded me that we would someday offer meals 365 days a year. We are very grateful for the support from the faith community,” Shaw continues.
Another essential and successful Plowshares project is the Meals on Wheels Program, which was spearheaded by long-time Plowshares administrator Ronda de los Santos, who recently passed away. “This is one of the most successful programs in the history of the organization,” notes Shaw, who credits de los Santos for her commitment and vision. Currently, 220 home-bound seniors are program recipients.
Fred Innerrebner comes to Plowshares for food, friendship and camaraderie, and has been doing so since Sister Jane opened the doors in the early 1980’s. (Carole Brodsky — Ukiah Daily Journal)“America’s average life expectancy is at a record high of 79 years,” says Shaw. “Nearly 7.4 million seniors in the US are living below the poverty line- meaning that their weekly income is $240 or less. In our community, hundreds, if not thousands, of seniors are left behind- hungry and alone, lacking sufficient financial resources to pay for food.”
Meals are provided to qualifying seniors 7 days a week- totaling about 73,000 meals annually. Volunteers deliver the meals to all parts of the inland region- from Redwood Valley to Hopland. “Our hot meals consist of proteins, carbohydrates, and veggies. We also provide fruit, fresh green salads, bread, treats, and a weekly quart of milk.”
The value of the Meals on Wheels Program goes far beyond food. “Visits from our volunteers are sometimes the only human contact our local seniors receive,” says Shaw. The volunteers who deliver Meals on Wheels are also providing “welfare checks” for our area’s most vulnerable population. “Our Meals on Wheels Program helps seniors safely remain in their own homes for as long as possible- saving significant care-home costs to families, while providing increased comfort, well-being, and convenience for our elders.”
Plowshares supports the Boys and Girls Club of Ukiah. “When schools are closed and the Club is open, we provide breakfast, lunch, and a snack for all the club members.” Plowshares also shares surplus food with the Ukiah Senior Center, helping them prepare daily lunches for their senior guests. A community garden staffed by volunteers helps to round out the lunchtime menu, and the organization acts as an information hub for people needing guidance about obtaining health care, housing, mental health assistance, and much more. Plowshares provides a mailing address and message service for those who need one, and provides free personal care supplies- socks, toothpaste, diapers, and more. Plowshares is a worksite for community service workers and also provides veterinary care and supplies for low-income and homeless pet “parents.”
Food for the daily meals is largely donated by local grocers and businesses, including Raleys, Food Maxx, Safeway, Lucky’s, Ukiah Natural Foods Co-op, Walmart, Costco, Schat’s Bakery, KFC, McDonald’s, Adventist Health Ukiah, and Big Earl’s BBQ. “We are just now formalizing a relationship with Ukiah Grocery Outlet,” Shaw notes. “Once a week, we receive produce from the Mendo Food Network- things like carrots, onions, and potatoes.”
Sister Jane Kelly was a force of nature. Those who knew her understand. A Catholic nun, she was a member of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, based out of San Francisco, but Ukiah was the home of her heart. She was not afraid to buck the local City Council if she felt a zoning ordinance was impacting Plowshares, and she was not afraid to buck the Catholic Church itself- calling out sexual abuse, which ultimately upended the Diocese of Santa Rosa. This came at a personal price, as Jane was shunned by some for challenging the church’s status quo despite their behind-the-scenes protection of abusers. But at Plowshares, she is still remembered with nothing but love.
“The opposition that poor woman got from people! She overwhelmed it, because she truly believed what she believed,” said Warren Sawyers. “And look at this place. Her dream has come to fruition. My mother knew her personally. I knew her personally. She was wonderful. God gave her a full life. This full tray of food means thankfulness. Appreciation. Sometimes when I’m here, I scold people. I say, ‘Excuse me- do you realize how this woman gave her personal being so that you can eat? She suffered to achieve all of this. Please show appreciation,” Sawyers concludes.
Fred Innerebner has been coming to Plowshares since Sister Jane used to stand at the front door and kibbitz with the guests before lunchtime.
“If it wasn’t for her, Plowshares would not be here. This building is great. I like it. It’s a pleasant place for people to come and get their food. I like the food here. The food’s really good. If people don’t have the money, they should come here. The food’s free and it’s a nice place to come if you have no place to go,” he explains.
Thanksgiving is a time that Shaw defines as the organization’s “call to action.”
“This year, we’re hoping people will donate to Plowshares, and by doing so, make room at your table for one more.” It’s simple to make cash donations to Plowshares by visiting their website or sending a check. With Plowshares’ “Sponsor a Senior” Program, $35 provides a senior with meals for one week. $85 provides milk for one year. $150 provides a month of meals, and $1,800 provides meals for one year. Eighty percent of Plowshare’s operating budget is derived from community donations and fundraisers.
Given the conflicting and often confusing reporting regarding SNAP benefits and other changes to federal and state programs, Shaw notes that Plowshares guests have been concerned. “We’ve had a number of folks, particularly seniors, call in to ask if we’re still going to be around. The answer is yes. We’ll always find a way.”
“Don’t be hungry on Thanksgiving Day or any day. If you’re caught between a rock and a hard place- if you don’t know whether to buy food or pay for your health insurance, come eat with us and pay your health insurance,” Shaw concludes.
Plowshares Thanksgiving Wish List
Turkeys Potatoes Stuffing Mix French-Style Green Beans Fried Onions Rolls Cranberry Sauce Chicken Broth Celery Butter Milk Apple Juice Cool Whip PiesDay-to-Day Wish List
Toothbrushes, Razors, Deodorant Salad Fixings, Dressings Spices and Olive Oil Juices- Fresh or Frozen Condensed Soups Fresh or Canned Fruits Proteins- Beef, Chicken, Pork, Turkey Coffee-Ground or Whole Bean Fresh or Canned Veggies Bleach and Cleaning ProductsAll donations are tax-deductible. Checks may be sent to Plowshares, PO Box 475, Ukiah, CA 95482. To make an online donation visit www.plowsharesfeeds.org. For more information phone (707) 462-8582.
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