By: Julia Mertes, Communications Intern, The Lion’s Pantry
Starting out as a simple soup and bread dinner, St. Andrew’s Community Café has grown to offer hearty entrees, soups, salads and desserts every Thursday from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m, Sharon Rovansek of St. Andrew’s Community Café said via email.
She said they also offer take-home ‘goodie’ bags which are filled with breads, fruit, and desserts to help supplement the pantry the week. The all-you-can-eat free meal is open to all.
Rovansek said St. Andrew’s Community Café members are also proud to say that they have never missed a Thursday event — no matter the weather or circumstance.
They have a bad weather crew that lives in walking distance of St. Andrew’s Community Café to ensure they can stay open regardless of weather.
When unpleasant and unforeseen circumstances developed, Rovansek said St. Andrew’s Community Café has made the most of their situation.
For instance, she said they once made sandwiches during a power outage in order to still provide their services to those in the local community.
Rovansek said they never thought of shutting down during the pandemic.
“How could we when so many people needed us or were, for the first time, in need of help?” she said.
They shifted gears as fast as they could and went to take-out — an adjustment that allowed them to continue helping their fellow community members during a time of growing need and uncertainty.
Now, they are back in-person, and Rovansek said they would like you to know that they pride themselves on not being your “typical” anything.
“We take the ‘community’ part of our name very seriously,” Rovansek said. “We create a welcoming and lively atmosphere to enjoy your meal. You can eat as much as you’d like. No one is going to tell you that you have eaten enough. Desserts and coffee are available.”
Prior to the pandemic, St. Andrew’s Community Café celebrated holidays, and they are moving toward that again, according to Rovansek.
As a matter of fact, she said they “hope to see Santa Claus in person — for the first time in two years — very soon.”
In the past, St. Andrew’s Community Café also had films playing for those who enjoyed them, and after some repairs to their movie screen, they will do so again, she said.
Finally, those at the Community Cafe would like to tell you that their motto is: “donations are accepted, but they are never expected. See you for dinner!!”
Community members can visit St. Andrew’s Community Café at 208 Foster Avenue in downtown State College. They also offer volunteer opportunity for those interested in making a larger impact on their community.
