Founded by Montgomery County resident Nicole Cerquitella, the Casserole Club began a year ago as a grassroots effort to support some of the community’s most vulnerable neighbors. What started as a small volunteer initiative has grown into a consistent, monthly operation that brings people together to cook and serve nutritious, home-style meals to local shelters across the county.
The Casserole Club’s primary focus is providing meals to the Nebel Street Emergency Men’s Shelter, where the group prepares and serves between 200 and 300 hot meals once a month. In addition, the club now also supports the 30 women residing at Rainbow Place Women’s Shelter, expanding its reach while maintaining a strong commitment to quality, consistency, and dignity in every meal served.
The organization is entirely volunteer driven and funded exclusively by individual contributors. There are no corporate sponsors or institutional funding sources. Each month, feeding approximately 300 people costs around $1000, covering food, supplies, and other essentials needed to safely operate the program. Volunteers contribute in many ways, from cooking and serving to donating ingredients or funds to keep the effort going.
The monthly process is designed to be flexible and accessible. Meals are served on the first Wednesday of each month, with cooking taking place the Tuesday prior. Menus and recipes are shared in advance and typically include a casserole, side dish, dessert, and drinks. Volunteers can choose to cook at home or participate in a group cooking night held in a certified kitchen at Pathways Baptist Church.
Those cooking at home sign up for specific dishes and deliver them either to the church during the group cooking night or directly to the shelter, where food must arrive hot and ready to serve by 5:30pm. After home-prepared items are accounted for, additional signups are posted for remaining needs, giving volunteers the option to cook on-site, donate ingredients, or contribute funds to purchase what is still needed.
On in-person cooking nights, volunteers gather at the church between 5:00pm and 9:00pm, or for whatever time they are able to give. Tasks are assigned based on comfort level and ability, and professional kitchen protocols are followed to ensure food safety. The following afternoon, volunteers meet again around 3:00 or 3:30pm to reheat meals, prepare final items, and transport food to the shelters so everything is ready for service.
Meal setup at the Nebel Street Shelter begins at 5:30pm on the first Wednesday of each month, with dinner served from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. As participation and resources grow, the Casserole Club plans to explore supporting additional shelters and community needs.
There are also many ways to help beyond cooking and serving. Monetary donations allow the group to purchase food and supplies when volunteer capacity is limited. Businesses, organizations, and student groups are welcome to sponsor full or partial meals or organize volunteer events. Local farms or food businesses interested in donating ingredients are encouraged to participate. The Casserole Club also provides Student Service Learning hours through Montgomery County Public Schools for students who prepare meals or volunteer during service.
At its core, the Casserole Club reflects a belief that meaningful impact comes from neighbors showing up for one another. Built on the idea that it truly takes a village, the group continues to welcome new volunteers, ideas, and partnerships as it works to nourish both body and community throughout Montgomery County.
Organizer and contact: Nicole Cerquitella, [email protected]
Donation options are available through:
Zelle (615-969-6057), PayPal (615-969-6057), or Venmo (@Nicole-Cerquitella)
