Sharing a meal with others feels good. Food has always connected people and has the ability to break down cultural barriers, build connections, and evoke a feeling of wellbeing – both physically and mentally. And that is exactly what the American Polynesian Organization (APO) meal program does each week for hundreds of low-income seniors living in South Seattle.   

Every Tuesday the Beacon United Methodist church fills with folks who have come simply for a hot meal, but are treated to so much more: friendship, laughter, music, and comfort. Community. Birthdays are celebrated, holidays observed, information is exchanged, and of course what gathering would be complete without dancing and karaoke.  

As a recipient of several Seattle Department of Neighborhood’s Food Equity Fund grants, APO has utilized this funding to organize meals, assemble grocery boxes, and host classes to help increase access to nutritious, culturally relevant food, and promote a healthy lifestyle for American Polynesian seniors in South Seattle. APO staff and volunteers coordinate these services with a broader goal that drives how and why they gather. They understand that the cure for loneliness is connection and they are not shy about having fun. 

Christie Robertson, a local community audio producer, recently spent the day with APO and captured some of the laughter and joy that ensues at these weekly meals and learn what makes this organization and community so special. Click the link below to hear the powerful audio story (7 min 38 sec).