August ’26 Brings People Together Through Food and Fellowship

On one Sunday afternoon each month, the Brooklyn Quaker Meetinghouse fills with the aroma of home-cooked food, the sound of easy conversation, and the quiet joy of people gathering not just to eat, but to be together. At the heart of it all are volunteers like August ’26 — a thoughtful leader and co-clerk of the committee that makes the Community Dinner possible.

Now in his third year with the program, August helps oversee nearly every aspect of the dinner alongside his co-clerk — from managing budgets and recruiting volunteers to prepping ingredients and welcoming guests. The committee recently expanded to 13 members, and under their leadership, the team engages approximately 30 volunteers each month, serving meals to about 70 guests at a time. Since his early days as co-clerk of the committee, August has helped recruit more than 70 young people across the city to join the work.

“We make the meals ourselves and sit down to eat together,” August says. “That’s my favorite part — just sitting down and enjoying a meal all together.”

What began as an opportunity to gain leadership experience has grown into something more personal and profound. “I’ve come to really enjoy talking to the people who come, joking around with them, getting to know them,” he says. A moment that stuck with him came during a conversation with a regular guest: “It’s nice to know you don’t think I’m a bad guy. A lot of people on the street do.”

In addition to his leadership role in organizing the dinner, August is also leading an effort to bring more consistent donations of fresh produce for the “to-go” bags, which already include non-perishable goods. He is also supporting his co-clerk’s work to establish a community fridge — a future addition that would help extend food access beyond the monthly meal.

As a long-time member of the Quaker community, August views this work as a reflection of his values. “We include everyone,” he says. “We’re giving firsts, seconds, thirds — fostering community and gathering both regulars and newcomers. It’s a way to extend our Quaker community beyond the Meetinghouse.”

In his thoughtful presence and steady commitment, August has helped shape the Community Dinner into something that nourishes more than just hunger. It feeds connection, dignity, and belonging — one meal at a time.