St. Anthony Foundation Serves 40 Millionth Meal

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 21, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In the last seven decades, St. Anthony's has helped millions of low-income people build better lives, making sure there is always a place at the table for the poor in San Francisco.  Today, St. Anthony's reached an organizational milestone by serving 40 million meals; a testament to San Francisco's enduring generosity and an indictment of a society that too often turns its back on people in need.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140221/DC69863)

Senator Dianne Feinstein served the milestone meal for the second time in 25 years.  Feinstein served the 13 millionth meal as Mayor of San Francisco, less than one year after the tragic assassinations of Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone.  For Feinstein, serving the 40 millionth meal at St. Anthony's is a stark reminder of the continuing struggle for economic equality and a remembrance of a city famous for its inclusive generosity.

The significance of this meal is a reminder of thousands of people each day who fall through our society's safety net.

Executive Director Barry Stenger remarked, "At St. Anthony's we are blessed to be the link between caring and generous people who have stepped up to donate their food, time, and funds to make this work possible, with those who line up each day in need of our services; the working poor, seniors living on fixed incomes, low-income families, the mentally ill, and veterans struggling to rebuild their lives."

Stenger sees the line that forms outside of St. Anthony's everyday as a social barometer and an indicator of economic inequality that continues to plague our city and nation.  "We know that San Franciscans who believe in the true spirit of inclusivity and generosity don't want a city where there's room for only high-end development and people with extreme wealth.  Some have said that if it weren't for St. Anthony's, and the 40 million meals we've served, there wouldn't be all these poor folks in the Tenderloin. Well here at St. Anthony's we tend to agree.  We are proud that because of St. Anthony's there is a place for the poor, our brothers and sisters."

SOURCE St. Anthony Foundation