News Summary
The ‘Sharing the Table’ initiative, launched by Calico Fish House, aims to address food insecurity in Huntington Beach. Providing free quality dinners to those in need, the program focuses on supporting families, seniors, and individuals facing hunger. Operating every Monday evening, the initiative emphasizes accessibility and dignity, offering meals without paperwork. Future plans include delivering meals to local senior facilities, fostering community connections. This effort reflects the commitment of local businesses to provide nutrition and support to vulnerable populations in the area.
Huntington Beach Launches ‘Sharing the Table’ Initiative to Tackle Food Insecurity
Calico Fish House in Huntington Beach has introduced a new initiative aimed at combating food insecurity among residents. Launched on Monday, September 29, by co-owners Andrew Gruel and his wife Lauren, the program named “Sharing the Table” provides free quality dinners to individuals and families facing hunger, particularly in high-cost areas like Orange County.
Andrew Gruel highlights the significant financial strain many families in California endure, which affects their ability to prepare healthy meals. He notes that food insecurity does not only concern those who are homeless; it also impacts working families living paycheck to paycheck and senior citizens on fixed incomes.
Details of the Program
The “Sharing the Table” initiative aims to deliver substantial meals to those in need. Menu options include slow-roasted organic chicken, phosphate-free shrimp, and seasonal fire-roasted vegetables. Guests have the option to accompany their meals with sides like herb-studded rice or baby dutch yellow potatoes.
The program is designed to be unobtrusive and accessible. Guests can approach the counter to request their meals without the need for paperwork or questioning. The initiative operates every Monday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., aiming to remove barriers to access and provide dignity to those seeking assistance.
Future Plans and Community Involvement
Looking ahead, Gruel has plans for a “phase two” of the initiative, which would involve partnerships with volunteers to deliver meals directly to local senior living facilities and affordable housing centers. This expansion aims to strengthen community ties and ensure that even more residents have access to nourishing meals.
Background on Calico Fish House
Calico Fish House offers a diverse menu featuring seafood, steaks, salads, and sandwiches, with selections changing weekly. The inspiration behind its name comes from the local Calico sea bass, emblematic of the area’s maritime heritage. The restaurant prides itself on sourcing ingredients from local fishermen and farms, promoting sustainability and freshness in their offerings.
The venue accommodates 55 guests indoors and up to 80 guests in an outdoor setting, making it a vibrant hub in the community. Besides his role in the restaurant, Andrew Gruel also serves as a city council member in Huntington Beach. He previously gained recognition for providing free meals to those affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles.
Commitment to Health and Diet
Through the “Sharing the Table” initiative and the operations of Calico Fish House, the Gruels emphasize the importance of seafood consumption as a healthier dietary choice. They address growing concerns related to processed food and its associated health issues in the United States. As they continue to expand the Calico brand and develop new restaurant concepts under American Gravy, their commitment to community welfare and quality dining remains a central focus.
The “Sharing the Table” initiative not only provides nourishment but also fosters community spirit, aiming to alleviate some of the pressing challenges surrounding food insecurity faced by vulnerable demographics in Huntington Beach and beyond.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Calico Fish House Offering Free Meals
- Los Angeles Times: Calico Fish House Creation
- Wikipedia: Food Insecurity
- Google Search: Food Insecurity California
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Insecurity
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
