Who says there’s no such thing as a free lunch?
A small, family-owned restaurant in Indiana, PA is stepping up to the
plate after the coronavirus pandemic has closed all Pennsylvania K-12
schools for 10 business days.
Spaghetti Benders announced that all students can enjoy a complementary
lunch for the next two weeks while schools are closed. The offer is good
Monday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., for take-out customers.
“Many families depend on our public school system for a hot lunch every
day,” explained owner Tony DeLoreto. “I know what tough times feel like.
I started this restaurant in 1991 with just the pots and pans from my
kitchen. My wife, Cherry, and I thought this was the least we could do
to give back.”
According to the
restaurant’s Facebook post
that has reached more than 125,000 people, children ages 18 and under
can enjoy the restaurant’s signature spaghetti with homemade marinara or
butter sauce, along with fresh Italian bread. A parent or guardian
should accompany elementary-aged children; older students should bring
their student ID.
“I think it’s a testament to how we care for each other in our small
town, because we know we’re all in this together,” said Indiana County
Chamber of Commerce President Mark Hilliard. “We’re fortunate that
Indiana, PA, has such a vibrant downtown business district with a
variety of restaurants—from American, Mexican, and Italian to Chinese,
Mediterranean, and Thai, and they all serve the community—in more ways
than one.”
The restaurant emphasizes that it is taking extra precautions to keep
the facility clean and sanitized for its customers.
Anyone who wishes to support the program should send a check made
payable to Spaghetti Benders with "free lunch program" in the memo line
to the restaurant at 563 Philadelphia St., Indiana, PA 15701. Donations
will be shared equally with the Chevy Chase Community Center, which
provides meals, youth programs, and other services to those in need.
A restaurant and lounge, Spaghetti Benders is at 563 Philadelphia St. in
Indiana. Visit our facebook website at
facebook.com/spaghettibenders.
* Photos were taken by
Jamie Steetle
For more info, contact Tony DeLoreto, 724-357-8822 (Spaghetti Benders
restaurant) or 724-840-5661 (mobile)
