To the editor:
Nancy Ryan saw men standing around a fire heating up a can of beans to eat,
She called up some other community members to talk about what she saw and they set up a time to meet.
They agreed that they didn’t want to see anyone go hungry, it was like a calling from above,
Their mission was to nourish our community every day through hospitality, free meals, and unconditional love.
In October 1982, their vision came to life and they served the very first meal,
They quickly realized they needed to open the doors daily and they did it with so much zeal.
There are all types of allies and programs like Joe’s Meals, Family Dinner, and WHRL just to name a few,
MBT is proof that when people come together there is nothing they can’t do.
MBT is now the largest soup kitchen on the North Shore with over 2500 volunteers,
The staff and volunteers are truly committed, that’s how MBT has been running for more than 40 years.
They also host a free medical clinic that is open once a week too,
COVID, storms, leaks, and floods can’t stop the mission, MBT will always make it through,
Whether it’s in a container or wearing a mask, MBT will make a way to feed the community each and every day,
Rest in peace Nancy Ryan, your hard work, love, and all the shared memories will never go away,
MBT started with a vision of meeting a need and that vision has come true,
There is so much appreciation and gratitude for the staff, donors, and all the volunteers too.
Guests can come in and get a warm meal or even take it to go,
MBT is open every day whether it’s a holiday, rain, hail, or snow.
The staff work so hard to make sure things run smoothly and are excellent at what they do,
The amount of effort it takes them every day, I wish people really knew.
We are grateful to the chefs and volunteers who helped to make the meal,
Every little thing is appreciated whether you season, cut, or peel.
We have volunteers who work from home and ones who work behind the scenes,
We have groups and programs that come to volunteer and even some that clean.
MBT feeds seniors, children, the homeless, and families as well,
If only the walls could talk, the stories they would tell.
If you’re not very hungry you can grab a PB&J instead,
Each meal has protein and veggies and always comes with bread.
Serving coffee, tea, and sometimes hot cocoa to keep our guests warm,
It’s a safe place to sit down and eat and also get shelter from the storm.
MBT is more than just a soup kitchen, staff and volunteers,
It’s family that is always there even through blood, sweat, and tears.
There is unconditional love that continues to serve the city of Lynn.
It’s easy to judge the outside but there is true compassion, love, and understanding within.
It’s our community helping our community and it’s a beautiful thing to see,
As you get to know the people you will see they are just like you and me.
Everyone is welcome to join the family, and come share a meal if you are able,
As long as there is a need, we will always have a seat for you, here at My Brothers Table
Stevie Nicks
Lynn
