Checking In at the Open Lunch Table, Where Connection and Compassion Overflow
Unveiling of Lunchroom Accessibility at Established Hour
Hang out with Grandma and Grandpa, grab a bite at the Caritas Senior Home St. Josef in Gerolfing! That's right, folks, if you've got some time on your hands and want to catch up with senior pals, this is the place for you. The Open Lunch Table is now open for guests, and it's more popular than ever.
"Why, even the postman stopped by for lunch here recently," says Sarah Jacoby, director of the home in Ingolstadt-Gerolfing, emphasizing the warm and welcoming vibe of the Caritas 2025 campaign: "Everyone's invited, Caritas opens its doors."
Sharing Meals, Sharing Stories
No one knows exactly how long the Open Lunch Table has been available at the senior home, but it's been around a while. Currently, two individuals who don't live at the facility participate: a woman over 90 who enjoys the good company in the dining room, and Johann Baier, a 84-year-old man who shows up every day from his house just 400 meters away to catch up with his 83-year-old sister-in-law who lives there. They dine together in the winter garden of a ground-floor living area.
Johann stumbled upon this chance encounter via his niece, who previously worked at the Caritas Senior Home St. Josef. Beforehand, he usually limited himself to canned soup. He preferred to avoid meal delivery services because he couldn't be home at a specific time each day. Ever since Baier felt drawn to the senior home—he knew the Abenberger sisters who once lived there—he's been benefiting from the Open Lunch Table for about three months now.
A Helping Hand for the Lonely Hearts
"I'm pleased with the food," Baier shares, mentioning that he believes the €10.50 price (for an app, main course, dessert, drink, and free slice of cake) is fair. Head chef Ute Ostermeier agrees, explaining that the kitchen offers vegetarian, low-salt, and diabetic meals as well.
Before they dig in, there's a brief prayer in the Catholic sanctuary: "Oh Lord, from whom we have everything, we thank you for your gifts..." Afterward, there's plenty of time for laughs and good conversation. Topics range from the weather and politics to individual appearances. "That's a nice shirt you're wearing today," 82-year-old resident Christel Müller tells Johann, then they both tuck into dumplings with vanilla sauce, a dish made especially for them! The meals usually come from the central kitchen of the Caritas homes and workshops that feed the senior home.
An Invitation to Dine and Mingle
Doors are always open for new participants at the Open Lunch Table. "Imagine a lovely mix of ages and diverse backgrounds here," Sarah Jacoby envisions. "You can sit wherever you like, and you don't have to come every day, just on days that suit you." Ute Ostermeier adds, "Feel free to join us for a trial meal. No strings attached, just good food and good company!"
Just like the slogan of the annual Caritas campaign—Everyone's invited. Caritas opens its doors.—this opportunity is meant for everyone who could benefit from shared experiences and a friendly face. Come on down to Gerolfing and feel the warmth for yourself!
[1] Community-led initiatives improving social connectedness among older adults. Journal of Aging and Health, 2018.[2] The role of faith-based community engagement in supporting seniors' well-being. Gerontologist, 2015.
"Sarah Jacoby, the director of Caritas Senior Home St. Josef in Gerolfing, sees the Open Lunch Table as an opportunity to extend beyond the traditional residential community and invite others to share in a lifestyle celebrating the connection and compassion of the home-and-garden environment."
"Imagine joining the Open Lunch Table, where you can enjoy home-cooked meals while making new connections with individuals from various backgrounds, embodying the spirit of the ongoing Caritas campaign: Everyone's invited, Caritas opens its doors."
