A family-style meal is an easy way to break down barriers and bring people together. Discussions of life always happen while food is passed around and drinks are filled.

  Last Friday, several organizations including Philadelphia LISC, Spiral Q and The Philadelphia Photo Arts Center organized an outdoor family-style meal for residents of South Kensington. Local organizations, such as South Kensington Community Partners, Resource Exchange, Second State Press, and many more, also sponsored the event.

  Residents received an invitation at their home and were required to register for the feast. Around 300 people were able to enjoy food provided by neighborhood restaurants from the neighborhood, including Restaurante Lechonera Principe, El Greco-Roman Pizza, Helm, Street Side, Que Chula Es Puebla and more.

  The street was closed for the feast and residents were seated at long white tables. The crowd was extremely diverse in age and ethnicity. Everyone who spoke with Spirit News during the event was glad to see something like this bringing the community together.

  “With all the things going on in the world… People get to sit down, have a good meal, get to chat and get to meet different people,” Fran Barry, a US Army veteran and South Kensington resident, said. “I believe everyone should share with others. This is a good thing.”

   We also spoke to Peggy Laramee of South Kensington. “I think eating around the table is a very family, especially extended family across generations, activity,” Laramee said.

  She sees the feast as a means of strengthening and creating bonds within the community. “I think getting involved beyond your household gives you a sense of strength and involvement with what’s going on, and then you don’t fear it so  much,” Laramee said. •