The purpose: Feed the People.

At the First Congregational Church in East Hartford, a group of Edarchy Architects did the unthinkable (well, thinkable), gave out free lunch to 50 people. No signups, no gimmicks, no names. Carboard signs read “Free Lunch” , “Free Hygiene” , and “Almuerzo Gratis”. The system: Grab and go. From the kitchen to the street, right into the hands of the people who wanted a free meal. It doesn’t matter who you were, or what/why you needed a second one for.
”You hungry? Okay, here.“

Even though it was cold, there were still happy smiling faces as complete strangers reached out their hands to connect their energy through the passing of a “thank you” plastic bag with a cardboard lunch container holding safely a sandwich with deli meat nestled with fresh cut veggies, an orange, and a pack of cookies for morale. Next to that box, was a baggie of hygiene products and a water.

People who were waiting for the bus could grab a lunch before they were on their way. The group even walked sandwiches to the local library, where people got to enjoy the comfort of the warmth that this sanctuary provided. Cars just driving down the street pulled up to receive their portion.
Not only did we provide an act of kindness, a microburst of what it is like to receive with no strings attached, no needed transaction.

If you remember, Maisey was the leader of this project. She wanted to give back to the community and find a way to provide meals to people during the harder times of the year. Her father, who we interviewed in the podcast, was inspired by her initiative and compassion to give to the local community. Seeing the father daughter duo wave to passing cars holding their cardboard signs was endearing. Maisey earlier last year received a funding award for her project idea, in which she was able to fulfill in the following months. After communicating with First Congregational Church of East Hartford and Parsonage , Maisey set up accommodations to prepare and serve the meals.

At the end of the day, all 50 meals were given out. Their hands were cold, but their hearts were warm even in the below freezing temperature.