UUC has partnered with Teen Feed for over 20 years. Eighteen times each year, 12-15 volunteers from UUC’s Meal Team gather to prepare and serve a meal to teens in the University-District. These meals are a conduit for the Teen Feed staff members to build connections—inviting conversation with teens who have found it difficult to trust adults in their lives. Our UUC youth have been engaged with Teen Feed too—currently, there are ten UUC youth involved with our Meal Team.

Testimony from one UUC family offers a window into the invaluable work of Teen Feed:

Volunteering with Teen Feed has become one of the most meaningful parts of our family’s month. Each month, my sons and I join a team of UUC volunteers to prepare and serve a hearty meal for youth experiencing homelessness. Before we began this work, my boys understood homelessness mainly as something that affected adults. Through Teen Feed, they have learned that many youth—kids their own age—face challenges far more complex and difficult than they had previously imagined. Seeing this firsthand has made an impression on them that no conversation at home ever could.

They love the teamwork involved—the rhythm of cooking alongside both adults and peers, the shared laughter, and the moments when everyone steps back to admire a finished meal that we made together.

For me, watching my sons connect so authentically with service has been deeply rewarding. It is rare, as a parent of teenagers, to find activities that engage everyone equally. Volunteering with Teen Feed has become that space for us.

More than anything, what keeps us coming back is the sense of connection. Teen Feed creates a warm, dignified, and welcoming environment for youth who deserve care, stability, and respect. Being part of that effort—even in a small way—reminds our family that community is something we build together. My sons often say that it feels especially meaningful to help kids their own age, and I see how the experience broadens their empathy and strengthens their understanding of what community responsibility truly looks like.

Volunteering with Teen Feed has shaped our family in lasting ways. 

Anna, Allen & Gabe Forsyth

Ways you can contribute to Teen Feed this month

• Donate some of the basic items requested by the teens during the winter months. (See details here.)
• Make a financial contribution so that Teen Feed can shop for the most needed items.

This Sunday, December 7, after both services, you can also stop by the Teen Feed Learning Station in Nathan Johnson Hall. If you have any questions, contact Pam.