In Greene County, more than 4,400 families are living below the poverty level and do not receive food stamps or supplemental nutrition assistance, and more than 13% of residents struggle with food insecurity. To combat this, One Bistro gives a hand up, not a hand out, by providing healthy, affordable meals in a warm and welcoming environment. It’s a faith-based, non-profit, pay-what-you-can, pay-it-forward café created to combat food insecurity and build community.
Southwest Ohio Parent talked to Denise Davis, president of One Bistro in Xenia, to find out more about this organization that’s striving to feed those who are most in need of a comforting meal.
Tell us how One Bistro got started.
One Bistro was founded by executive chef Robert Adamson and his wife, Kim, in 2012. Together, they combined their resources and talents, reaching out to their neighbors and offering a sense of community, friendship and hope through delicious, healthy, affordable meals. Kim and Robert created a place where all are welcome to come just as they are, regardless of their ability to pay. When you dine in a pay-what-you-can, pay-it-forward community café, you are helping combat food insecurity in your neighborhood. One Bistro is governed by a board of directors and has four paid team members; everyone else is a volunteer.
How much does a meal cost and what happens if you can’t pay the full amount?
We have suggested meal prices of $6 to $9. You have the option to pay the full suggested price, pay what you can afford or volunteer for an hour in exchange for your meal. Pay-it-forward is any amount of money a person pays beyond their total bill. That money goes to help pay for someone else to eat who cannot afford to pay, and it helps us keep our suggested prices low.
Your menu is yummy! What’s your most popular item?
Our signature dishes are always popular: classic corned beef or turkey reuben, spinach goat cheese and bacon pizza, strawberry quinoa salad and eggs benedict. We also run daily specials.
What are community meals?
Community is at the core of who we are at One Bistro. At our Community Meal, all are welcome to enjoy a complimentary meal. Come and break bread with us Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. We serve a delicious meal every week and we look forward to coming together as one community. There’s a seat at the table waiting for you!
How can people get involved with One Bistro?
Volunteers are the heart behind our mission, to provide a place where our neighbors eat and come together as one community. Our model depends on volunteers and we need you! We’ll find a task suitable to your skill level, even if you’ve never worked in food service. Come and dine with us, pay it forward, make a donation, sponsor a table or sponsor a Community Meal. Follow us on Facebook at One Bistro Xenia and visit our website at onebistro.org.