It’s a good idea to call Tent City 4 (contact tc4meals for the number) a few days before the meal to get an idea of the number of residents. Be aware that the population fluctuates, but you can at least get an estimate. Dinner is usually served between 6:00 and 6:30.
When you get to TC4, check-in at the security tent and look for the food coordinators. They will point you to where you will set-up the food. The residents will come, get their food and go back to their tents. Some will want to visit while they eat their meal.
When Tent City 4 was located in Bothell and Woodinville, the group received many direct food donations from local markets and bakeries. Often the donations couldn’t be used effectively by the camp because they have no refrigeration (other than a few coolers) and no cooking equipment (other than a toaster and microwave). Volunteer groups should feel free to ask (or go see) whether they’ve received food you can use. Fresh fruits and vegetables, large cans of beans and chili, and other donations can be converted into camp meals. Some of the TC4 residents suffer from dental and gum difficulties. Raw apples, nuts, raw celery and carrots are difficult foods on tender mouths. Please keep this in mind and remind your team members when planning the meals to be served. Eloise and Marjie will try to keep you abreast of current overloads and needs as they occur in hopes of using resources to their fullest.
We’ve been told that TC4 receives many donations of sweets (muffins, cookies, doughnuts, cakes, etc.), so focus your meal more on meat, calcium, fruits and veggies. Dessert is great but is not a requirement. TC4 is fine with casseroles and assembly-line meals (build a burger, build a tostada, build a pasta dish, and build a baked potato) as long as they are kept at temperature appropriate ranges for food safety. The inclusion of fresh, in-season fruits and vegetables is much appreciated, cooked are more likely to be eaten. Bring canned drinks, juice in coolers or bottled water. Hot beverages are especially appreciated during this cold season.
You will need to take to TC4 all the serving utensils you’ll need and all the plates, cups, napkins, eating utensils required for your meal. Trash bags are also needed for cleanup after the meal. No open flames are allowed in the camp, so food warmers and barbecues will not work. They have heat strips but that is limited.
TC 4 residents will put leftover food in the coolers. It is good to have with you small plastic containers that can be used for the leftovers. Containers from deli purchases, or Ziploc bags are ideal for this purpose.
Your committee members who have volunteered to help are eager to be useful. Let them know when you want them at the gathering place for cooking, which may be in your church or someone’s house. Try to arrange for reasonable food preparation in advance. Come prepared to serve dinner hot, outside, to health code specs.
Thanks for providing warmth to many in this cold season!
Blessings--The KCC/UCC Team
NOTE: Services provided by volunteers are for all TC4 residents. Please forward requests from individual
residents to Scott Morrow of SHARE/WHEEL.