Volunteers from Blue Hill Memorial Hospital prepared and served a hearty vegetable soup at no cost to community members as part of The Simmering Pot project.  This project is an initiative of The Tree of Life Food Pantry and was founded last winter by Hadley Friedman and Brendan Murray as a way of building community spirit, and providing a free and nutritious meal.

Sandy Smallidge, RN, manager of the hospital’s emergency department led the volunteer effort at Blue Hill Memorial Hospital, but was quick to recognize the efforts of others, including Barb Haskell, manager of dietary services, who prepared the meal.

“Those of us in healthcare have a special appreciation for the importance of nutritious food,” says Smallidge.  “Unfortunately, we often find ourselves helping patients who have not learned or followed healthy eating habits.  Sometimes the issues are financial, but not always.  When people don’t or can’t eat healthy food, they are often at greater risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.  Chronic illness can be debilitating and often creates additional financial burdens on families and our healthcare system.  Programs like The Simmering Pot really make a difference.  All of us feel more like eating a good meal when we are sitting down at a table talking to family and friends.  It beats eating in front of the television or skipping meals altogether.”

Optional donations, made during the meals, help pay for the program which is offered every Monday from 2:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.  The meal is free to all participants. Take-out service is encouraged, and guests can pick up soup for a neighbor, friend, or family member.  Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult to ensure the safety of all guests. 

For information on making a food or monetary donation, or for volunteer opportunities, please contact Hadley Friedman at 207.374.2898 or hadley.friedman73@gmail.com.